Lawmakers approve assault weapons ban, salary hike, and further abortion access

(AP) The Illinois Senate has approved a ban on semiautomatic weapons. The measure was approved 34-20 Monday just hours after Gov. J.B. Pritzker was sworn in to his second term and delivered his disgust for deadly shooting so frequent that each "needs a title so you know which one we’re referring to.” Republicans predicted the law will be summarily overturned in court as unconstitutional.

(WBEZ) Movement on the gun legislation marked the high point of a busy legislative day on which the other hot-button topic, a major abortion-rights package, didn’t advance. It would aim to protect abortion providers and patients from any penalties imposed by states that ban abortions and guarantee gender-affirming health care, among other things.

GUESTS: 

Mawa Iqbal

Statehouse reporter for NPR member stations across Illinois

Dan Petrella

State government reporter, Chicago Tribune