Tagged: assault weapons

Illinois legislators are scheduled to go back to Springfield this week to tackle any bills the governor vetoed this year.

Of the major legislation the governor vetoed - one big issue that's had all sorts of trouble getting support is gambling expansion. The measure Governor Pat Quinn vetoed would allow for several new casinos in the state - including one in Chicago. But Quinn has said the bill is flawed - with, quote, "loopholes for mobsters" - but a sponsor of the measure says he's close to having enough votes to override the governor's opposition.

Updated 12:31 p.m. with use of amendatory veto.

Gov. Pat Quinn has proposed a statewide ban on assault weapons.

The Democrat used his amendatory veto power today to include the ban in a bill related to ammunition sales. It's now up to lawmakers to accept his changes or reject them.

In a letter to members of the General Assembly, Quinn says the ban will make Illinois a safer place to live.

The proposal also calls for a ban on high-capacity ammunition magazines. It was first reported by The Associated Press.

Updated to include link to opinion.

Gun rights advocates scored a victory when the Illinois Supreme Court allowed a challenge to a Cook County assault weapons ban to proceed.

The court on Thursday ruled that lower courts were wrong to throw out the challenge. The Supreme Court says it wants the trial court to hear evidence on whether assault weapons get the same Second Amendment protections as handguns.