Metro East Sun

State Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) is criticizing what he deems an obviously unconstitutional push to outlaw many types of firearms and accessories currently legal in Illinois.

“The 2nd Amendment is a cornerstone of our freedoms,” Plummer said in a statement. 

“If the majority party of Illinois made half the effort going after violent criminals and supporting our law enforcement that they do badgering and threatening law-abiding gun owners, all Illinois communities would be much safer and more livable," he said. "Of course, this is Springfield and, rather than pursuing effective policies to benefit all Illinoisans, there are some people here who have made a career out of virtue-signaling and advocating for the passage of clearly unconstitutional laws. Here we go again.”

State Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) sponsored the bill, HB5855, which would make the possession of several types of firearms and accessories illegal. 

“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," the bill’s synopsis reads. "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."

The bill was referred for a hearing in the Rules Committee, where it will likely see debate in January. It has picked up over 20 Democrat co-sponsors since being filed.

Illinois already has the sixth-most restrictive gun laws in the country and some of the worst instances of gun violence. HB5855 would likely mean the most restrictive environment for lawful gun owners in the history of the country.

Morgan was at the Highland Park shooting in July where seven were killed and more than 48 wounded after a gunman opened fire. In that instance, the alleged gunman, Robert Crimo III, was issued a gun permit by the Illinois State Police despite having red flags on his record for mental illness and instances of violence, which many are calling a failure of the governor’s office. 

“Had the Pritzker administration done what they said they were going to do, which was to review and make sure laws already on the books were being implemented more effectively, the tragedy in Highland Park might never have occurred,” Sen. Donald DeWitte (R-St. Charles) said in a statement.