In mid-December, the Sportsmen’s Alliance reported on the “Protect Illinois Communities Act,” legislation that would have banned 18-20 years old from obtaining a state Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card, which would have severely restricted hunting for anyone under 21 years of age. And it would have banned the sale and possession of commonly owned and used rifles by redefining them as “assault weapons,” along with a new registry for gun owners.

Since then, this gun control bill was shoved through the legislative process and was signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker.

The final version no longer bans 18-20-year-old individuals from obtaining a state FOID card, but it still redefines “assault weapons” very broadly, turning many commonly owned rifles into contraband by banning the sale and possession of such rifles. Individuals who currently own a firearm re-classified under the new law can only escape prosecution by registering the firearm with law enforcement authorities before October 1 of 2023.  Not stopping there, the new law also bans magazines that hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition for pistols and 10 rounds for long guns, and bans .50 BMG caliber firearms and ammunition altogether.  Newly banned ammunition magazines  are grandfathered only if an individual possesses a valid FOID card.

However, it’s clear that for many anti-gun zealots, the 18-20 FOID prohibition was at the top of their wish list, so it remains highly likely that a bill reintroducing the ban will show up early in the 2023 session. This is a common move in Illinois, especially for the anti-gun majority from Chicago, which has turned the state into one of the most anti-gun jurisdictions in the entire country.

Rest assured, the Sportsmen’s Alliance will be monitoring the session and working to protect the rights of sportsmen throughout the state.  Please check your inbox and www.sportsmensalliance.org for updates as the legislative session progresses. Don’t forget to pass this information on to your family, friends, and fellow sportsmen and urge them sign-up for updates and join the Sportsmen’s Alliance.

About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research.  Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.