As Illinois Lawmakers Start Talks on HB 5855, Here's What the Assault Weapon Ban Would Do

December 12, 2022 for NBC 5

CHICAGO - Illinois lawmakers are looking to potentially ban the sale and ownership of assault weapons in the state with the wide-ranging “Protect Illinois Communities Act,” otherwise known as HB 5855, and committee hearings on the legislation began Monday.

Currently, seven states have laws on the books that ban assault weapons in at least some capacity, including California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York.

Rep. Bob Morgan, who was an eyewitness to the tragic shooting at the Fourth of July parade in suburban Highland Park earlier this year, is the chief sponsor of the bill.  

That shooting left seven people dead and at least 48 others injured, and continued to stoke nationwide gun reform discussions.

The bill covers a wide variety of topics, but its notable features include an increase of the state’s minimum age to purchase or own a weapon, as well as a full ban on assault weapons, extended magazines and other items.

Here is a breakdown of the legislation, which could go up for a vote in the lame-duck session in January.

Bans Assault Weapons and Extended Magazines

The legislation would make it illegal to manufacture, deliver, sell or purchase any assault weapon in the state of Illinois. It would also make it illegal to possess such a weapon 300 days after the final passage of the bill.

A full list of weapons classified as “assault weapons” can be found within the text of the bill.

The bill also makes it illegal to own, purchase or possess .50 caliber rifles and cartridges, but there is language in the bill that allows owners who currently have such weapons to keep them.

Individuals who already own weapons that fall under the “assault weapons” definition must register those guns with the Illinois State Police between 80 and 300 days after final passage of the bill. A $25 fee will also be assessed.

Residents also many not purchase or possess magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds, and the bill also bans the sale or purchase of “switches,” which can increase a weapon’s rate of fire.

Those switches are technically already banned under federal law.

Raises Age of Legal Gun Ownership From 18 to 21

The bill also contains a provision that raises the minimum age to own a firearm from 18 to 21.

There are exceptions within the bill for use or possession of weapons by individuals under the age of 21. Active-duty members of the military or Illinois National Guard may still possess weapons, as can individuals who are employed by the federal government and must carry weapons as part of their responsibilities.

Individuals under the age of 21 who wish to hunt must do so under the supervision of an adult, and that adult must also have a FOID card.