East Central Reporter

Illinois residents are facing the implementation of a controversial "assault weapons" ban, known as the Protect Illinois Communities Act, despite ongoing court challenges. The new law aims to prohibit the possession of certain firearms, firearm fittings, and ammunition fixtures by residents of the state. However, a limited exception is made for individuals who legally acquired these items before January 10, 2023.

To take advantage of this exception, Illinois residents are required to file an online endorsement affidavit with the Illinois State Police. The State Police have set up an online portal for residents to access this process, and as of October 12, more than 1,500 affidavits have been filed. These affidavits serve as a declaration of the items to be grandfathered in under the new law and confirm that they were acquired prior to the designated date.

Critics of the new law have raised concerns about the implications of the online filing process. They argue that it will provide the State Police with valuable data on the location of firearms in Illinois, potentially leading to the creation of a database. Additionally, firearms rights advocates have expressed other reservations about the endorsement affidavit, noting that it was established as an emergency rule.

The assault weapons endorsement affidavit rule will be discussed by the Illinois Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, a legislative panel, on October 17. This discussion will likely address the concerns raised by opponents of the ban.

Representative Miller, a vocal critic of the ban, has spoken out against the Protect Illinois Communities Act. He argues that while tragic events should not be ignored, the law is an attempt to disarm law-abiding citizens and infringe upon their Second Amendment rights. In a statement on his website, Rep. Miller stated, "We must fight to protect our God-given rights to keep and bear arms while maintaining the responsibilities that come with owning firearms."

The implementation of the controversial Illinois firearm ban continues to face legal challenges and opposition from firearms rights advocates. The ongoing discussions and court battles surrounding the Protect Illinois Communities Act highlight the ongoing debate over gun control and the Second Amendment.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://repcmiller.com/2023/10/17/illinois-firearm-ban-update/