Prairie State Wire

Among the opponents of Illinois HB5855 is the non-profit Firearms Policy Coalition.

The group is calling attention nationally to the sweeping gun control efforts underway in Illinois.

Sharing a link to the Firearms Policy Coalition Constituent Outreach Tool, the group is urging Illinoisans to demand lawmakers reject the bill.

“Prohibition is a repeatedly failed and tyrannical concept,” the group said. “When banning any gun or ammo, the main concerns articulated here are the feature, not a bug. Yet somehow, this gets lost on people. The good news is that Illinois HB 5855 is getting some form of resistance from all sides.” 

The post comes as a vote nears on HB5855. Otherwise known as the Protect Illinois Communities Act, the measure would outlaw several commonly owned types of firearms and magazines. As many as 5 million firearms and 10 million magazines in the state may be affected if the gun ban becomes law. Gun rights advocates have vowed to seek legal relief should the bill pass. A vote on the bill in the House is expected in the lame-duck session set to begin in early January.

State Rep. Denyse Wang Stoneback (D-Skokie) is a co-sponsor of the measure. Her name has been attached as a sponsor to other controversial legislation reported by the Chicago City Wire. Stoneback is a lame-duck representative who is in her final days in the chamber after losing a primary battle earlier this year.

The Firearms Policy Coalition aims "to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and the People’s rights, privileges and immunities deeply rooted in this Nation’s history and tradition, especially the inalienable, fundamental, and individual right to keep and bear arms; to protect, defend, and advance the means and methods by which the People of the United States may exercise those rights, including, but not limited to, the acquisition, collection, transportation, exhibition, carry, care, use, and disposition of arms for all lawful purposes, including, but not limited to, self-defense, hunting, and service in the appropriate militia for the common defense of the Republic and the individual liberty of its citizens; to foster and promote the shooting sports and all lawful uses of arms; and to foster and promote awareness of, and public engagement in, all of the above,” the group said on Facebook.

When considering options on how to combat the bill, many have pointed to the precedent-setting New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen decision levied by the United States Supreme Court in June. That landmark case overturned a New York State law that required those seeking to conceal carry firearms to show a demonstrable need to defend themselves. The case opened up more rights for gun owners nationwide and required New York to allow more rights for concealed carry holders. It also invalidated laws in other states seeking additional documentation on why gun owners seek to exercise their Second Amendment rights.