SPRINGFIELD (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Illinois Senate passed its own version of an assault weapons ban Monday evening in a 34-to-20 vote.
Under the bill, the sale and possession of assault weapons and extended magazines in the state would be banned.
State senators made one modification to the bill, which passed the Illinois House on Friday, regarding which magazines would be banned. The Senate’s proposal bans long gun magazines that hold over 10 rounds, while handgun magazines would be capped at 15 rounds.
Earlier on Monday, state senators heard testimony from Ashby Beasley, a mother from Highland Park, who was at the town’s Fourth of July parade in 2022, where a gunman opened fire and killed seven people.
“My son had become so paralyzed with fear, that he laid on the ground begging not to die,” she said. “I got down with him and convinced him to keep going right as my husband pulled up in the car and whisked us safely home. Seven people were murdered that day in Highland Park by a man with a legally purchased assault weapon.”
Related
After Beasley played a recording of a child shrieking away from gunfire, Senate President Don Harmon, who called the bill a "step in the right direction," said he can’t match the testimony of a screaming 6-year-old.
Republicans, including Minority Leader Sen. Dan McConchie, spoke against the bill.
“Why don’t we go after the bad guys, put them behind bars, and actually keep them there,” McConchie said. “Put the bad guys behind bars, not the taxpayers, not the citizens.”
Related
Central Illinois Republican Sen. Darren Bailey, the former candidate for governor, said the proposed ban is an unconstitutional overreach.
“I, and millions of other gun owners in this state, will not comply,” Bailey said. “I fully expect and anticipate that our court will uphold this action and protect the rights of everyone in this country and everyone in this state.”
Said Harmon: “We’ll see you in court.”
The Senate’s bill will go back to the House, which returns to session on Tuesday. If it passes the House, it will go to Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!