Illinois Supreme Court Upholds State’s Assault-Style Weapons Ban
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Assault-style rifles are displayed at Freddie Bear Sports on January 11, 2023, in Tinley Park, Illinois.
Background
CNN
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Supreme Court Ruling
The Illinois Supreme Court on Friday upheld the state’s assault-style weapons ban in a 4-3 ruling after months of legal challenges sought to dismantle the law.
Legislation and Registration Requirements
State lawmakers in January passed and Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law a measure that would ban assault-style rifles and high-capacity magazines. Those who already own such rifles face limitations on their sale and transfer and must register them with the Illinois State Police by 2024.
Lawsuits and Constitutional Challenges
That law – which came about six months after the July 2022 Highland Park, Illinois, shooting – faced immediate lawsuits in state and federal court, arguing it violated the Illinois and US constitutions.
Judicial Rulings
A Macon County Circuit Court judge found earlier this year that exemptions to the law, including for law enforcement officers and armed guards at federally supervised nuclear sites, violated the equal protection clause of the state’s constitution.
Fast-Track Appeal
The Illinois Supreme Court agreed to fast-track the state’s appeal.
Court’s Decision
In a 20-page opinion, the Illinois Supreme Court reversed the circuit court’s judgment.
Comments and Updates
CNN has reached out to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and counsel for the plaintiffs for comment but have not yet heard back.
This story has been updated with additional details.