Despite Much Discussion, No Change To Illinois Gun Laws During Veto Session

After recent mass shootings, some Illinois lawmakers reacted by filing legislation that would tighten restrictions on guns. But the veto session is over and gun laws remain unchanged.

The Illinois House failed to even call legislation that would allow the state to license gun dealers. Currently, gun shops in Illinois are licensed through federal laws only. The bill also requires more training for staff in recognizing suspicious purchasers.

Democratic Senator Don Harmon, from Oak Park who is the sponsor, says it lacked the needed votes.

“I expect it to be called in the Spring session  when we return," Harmon said. "The bill is not dead; it’s just a procedural hiccup here. We’ll be back at it.”

Critics say the bill is too far-reaching and would make it difficult for responsible gun owners to make purchases.

In addition, an attempt to ban what are known as bump stocks,in response to the Las Vegas shooting in October, failed to make it through the Illinois House.

Representative Martin Moylan, a Democrat from Des Plaines drafted that legislation. Moylan says he plans to try again in the spring.

“I’m not giving up. Just because we have a setback doesn’t mean it’s going to fail," Moylan said. "Even the hunters I deal with and speak to, they don’t use a bump stock. The NRA and the Rifle Associations don’t want to give on anything and that’s not good.”

Those opposed to the proposal say the language is too broad and would negatively impact law-abiding gun owners.