(GunReports.com) — On Wednesday, Illinois Senate Democrats advanced bans on semiautomatic rifles and pistols and some magazines.
The ban, sponsored by Sen. Tony Munoz, D-Chicago, moved to the full Senate on a 6-4 party-line vote won by Democrats on a public health committee.
As currently drafted the bill would turn law-abiding owners into felons for possession of nearly all common semi-automatic firearms or detachable magazines. Not only would such a ban include classic firearms like the 1911 and common handguns like Glocks, this ban would also outlaw common hunting guns like the Ruger 10/22 and Remington 740 series.
The assault weapons bill, backed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Gov. Pat Quinn, drew heavy debate as about 150 gun rights advocates led by Illinois gun manufacturers and the National Rifle Association registered their opposition at a committee hearing.
The measure generally bans possession, delivery, purchase and sale of military-style, semi-automatic rifles. People who already have the weapons would not be required to give them up.
The Illinois Firearms Manufacturers Association called the legislation a threat to the state’s $500 million gun-making industry and argued that it would cost Illinois jobs.
Separately, the Senate committee advanced a ban on regular-capacity magazines, such as 30-rounders, on a second 6-4 party-line vote. The proposal would outlaw the use of magazines that carry more than 10 rounds.
The Senate could vote on the assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition measures today or Friday before senators are scheduled to leave town for the weekend. Should it get out of the Senate, the measure also would have to pass the House, which is scheduled to come back Sunday.
