Metro East Sun

GOP activist and former House of Representatives candidate Jennifer Korte is bashing sweeping gun control legislation that will soon see a vote on the House floor. 

“Some of you are following HB5855 ‘Protection IL Communities Act.’ This legislation would make it illegal for adults ages 18-20 to hunt alone,” Korte said on Facebook. “They would need an 'adult' to supervise. It is interesting that they use the term 'youth' when describing adults 18-20 yrs of age.” 

Korte added that, “Democrats knew they would have gotten major pushback if they would have introduced this legislation before the election."

"While it not only infringes on our constitutional rights, it also has a major impact on those who enjoy hunting,” she said. “Elections have consequences and the Democrats think they are untouchable. In IL, this is true.” 

Opponents say It would be the most restrictive gun law in the United States. 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. 

HB5855 would also ban the sale of semi-automatic weapons in the state and create a registry to track those who legally own them. The move to outlaw guns from Illinois residents has drawn severe criticism. The Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) and others have vowed to pursue legal action if the legislation passes. 

“Anti-2nd Amendment politicians in Springfield have filed HB5855 with the full support of the most anti-gun Governor this state has ever seen, Gov. Pritzker,” ISRA Executive Director Richard Pearson said. “The proposed legislation, which they hope to vote on in early January, would ban certain semi-automatic pistols, rifles, and shotguns along with any magazine that has a capacity of greater than 10 rounds including any magazine for your handguns. While technically they are not coming for your kids, the Government believes they know best and will not allow any person under 21 to have a FOID card unless they are in the military.”

HB5855 outlines the types of weapons that will be outlawed under the bill and provides penalties. 

The bill's synopsis says 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.”