assault weapons ban

A firearms expert testified Wednesday that the weapons restricted under Illinois’ assault weapons ban include many of the most common firearms that American consumers use for self-defense.

The owner of a gun store testified Monday that Illinois’ ban on the sale of assault-style weapons and large capacity magazines has had a significant impact on his business and prevented his customers from buying items they would normally use for self-defense, hunting, target shooting or other legal activities.

Groups challenging the law made their bid to the U.S. Supreme Court after last fall’s ruling from the federal appeals court in Chicago, which found that weapons covered by Illinois’ assault-weapons ban don’t have Second Amendment protection.

Under a new law that took effect earlier this year, residents in possession of assault weapons are required to submit an endorsement affidavit by Jan. 1, 2024.

Illinoisans who own weapons that can no longer be purchased or sold in the state under its new assault weapons ban will soon be able to register those weapons so they can legally keep them.

The decision means the ban will now likely remain in effect while the federal appeals court in Chicago takes time to hear arguments in the case.

Illinois lawmakers are considering further legislation restricting the possession and marketing of firearms, even as state and federal courts are weighing the constitutionality of an assault weapons ban passed in January.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who hears applications from the Seventh Circuit, could decide on her own whether to issue an emergency injunction or she could refer the question to the full court for consideration.

Attorney Tom DeVore wants a judge to order state Rep. Dan Caulkins to return all donations linked to a lawsuit over the state's assault weapons ban.

The challenges keep coming in reaction to a new state law that gun owners say violates their Second Amendment rights.