Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association (ISA) is opposing a bill Democrats are saying will make Illinois safer. 

Claiming that HB 5855 or the "Protect Illinois Communities Act," sponsored by state Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) has many unfavorable effects, the ISA has expressed its disdain for the bill. The group understands that it "would ban the sale, possession or manufacture of a variety of semi-automatic weapons, including any semiautomatic pistol with a fixed magazine that can accept more than 10 rounds. It also would ban any magazine that could contain more than 10 rounds of ammunition."

"See the points and our position below!” ISA said on Facebook. “HB5855 would raise the minimum age to purchase or own a weapon from 18 to 21. A person under 21 years of age would be required to hunt under the supervision of an adult who possesses a valid FOID Card. People also would not be allowed to possess or buy magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds. Individuals who already own weapons that fall under the 'assault weapons' definition must register those guns with the Illinois State Police between 180 and 300 days after final passage of the bill. A $25 fee will also be assessed per person. HB5855 allows for a State’s Attorney to act as 'a friend of the court' in order to participate in the hearing, if necessary, for a Firearms Restraining Order. Current law provides for these orders to be limited to 6 months and this proposal would extend that to 1 year."

The group also highlighted that under the said bill, “A person who manufactures, delivers, sells, purchases, or possesses an assault weapon is guilty of a Class 3 felony for the first offense and a Class 2 felony for a second or subsequent violation or for the possession or delivery of 2 or more of these weapons at the same time.” 

“AFTER REVIEWING THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, THE ILLINOIS SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION IS OPPOSED TO HB5855! SHERIFFS SUPPORT THE RIGHTS PROVIDED UNDER THE 2ND AMENDMENT TO THE U.S. CONSTITUTION AND BELIEVE THAT THIS PROPOSAL IS A CLEAR INFRINGEMENT ON THE RIGHTS OF CITIZENS TO LEGALLY POSSESS THESE WEAPONS,” ISA posted on Facebook.  

HB5855 received its first hearing House Judiciary Committee on Dec. 12. The bill would make the possession of several types of firearms and accessories illegal. 

According to the bill's synopsis, it “Makes it unlawful to manufacture, deliver, sell, or purchase or cause to be manufactured, delivered, sold, or purchased or cause to be possessed by another, an assault weapon, assault weapon attachment, .50 caliber rifle, or .50 caliber cartridge. Makes it unlawful for any person to knowingly possess an assault weapon, .50 caliber rifle, or .50 caliber cartridge 300 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act, except possession of weapons registered with the Illinois State Police in the time provided. Provides exemptions and penalties. Prohibits the manufacture, delivery, sale, purchase, or possession of large capacity ammunition feeding devices.”

House Minority leader Tony McCombie (R-Sterling) said the bill is unconstitutional. “While HB 5855 is likely far from in its final form, the constitutionality of the bill will certainly go before the courts,” McCombie told Prairie State Wire. 

Illinois already has the sixth most restrictive gun laws in the country and some of the worst instances of gun violence. Opponents say Morgan's HB5855 would likely bring the most restrictive environment for lawful gun owners in the history of the country, according to governing.com.