After recent mass shootings, some Illinois lawmakers reacted by filing legislation that would tighten restrictions on guns. But the veto session is over and gun laws remain unchanged.
The Illinois House failed to even call legislation that would allow the state to license gun dealers. Currently, gun shops in Illinois are licensed only through federal laws. The bill also requires more training for staff in recognizing suspicious purchasers. Democratic Senator Don Harmon of Oak Park sponsored the bill and said it lacked the needed votes.
“I expect it to be called in the Spring session when we return," he said. "The bill is not dead; it’s just a procedural hiccup here. We’ll be back at it.”
Democratic Representative Martin Moylan of Des Plaines drafted legislation to ban bump stocks after the massacre in Las Vegas. The House rejected the measure, but Moylan said he plans to try again in the spring.
“I’m not giving up," he said. "Just because we have a setback doesn’t mean it’s going to fail. Even the hunters I deal with and speak to, they don’t use a bump stock. The NRA and the Rifle Associations don’t want to give on anything and that’s not good.”
Those opposed to the proposal say the language is too broad and would negatively impact law-abiding gun owners.
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