Metro East Sun

An Alton-based gun shop is calling on gun owners to contact their legislators regarding HB5855, legislation that would ban assault weapons.

Piasa Armory, at 3685 E. Broadway, encouraged people to "Call and email the members of the Judiciary - Criminal Committee to inform them not to advance HB 5855 out of committee." HB5855 would outlaw over 100 types of commonly available firearms and accessories as well as disallow those 18-20 from hunting alone. 

“Have you talked to your Illinois legislator and told them to oppose this unconstitutional mess?" Piasa Armory posted on Facebook. "HB5855 will ban way more than people think at first look and unconstitutionally ban those under 21 from accessing their rights.”  

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Sterling) told Prairie State Wire 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,” she said. McCombie sits on the Judiciary Committee which finished its third of three hearings on the bill on Dec. 20.

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 on the group's website. “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.”

Others are taking a different tactic. Greenville attorney Tom DeVore has offered his services to citizens seeking to follow Iroquois County’s lead. Iroquois County reaffirmed that its jurisdiction will not enforce the legislation should it become law. It is one of 68 Second Amendment sanctuaries in which gun owners' rights have been underscored at the county level.