Not much time left for state lawmakers to consider an assault weapons ban

Posted on January 5, 2023
Illinois Capitol
After today, the General Assembly is scheduled to meet tomorrow, Saturday, and Tuesday. The new General Assembly is sworn in Wednesday. (WJBC file photo)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Whether the Illinois House and Senate can pass an assault weapons ban – or any other kind of gun control measure – during these few remaining lame duck days, members of both parties agree: the killing has to stop.

The latest proposal is borne of the Highland Park July 4 parade massacre.

“You’ve got to work one member at a time,” said State Rep. Marcus Evans, Jr. (D-Chicago). “I hope it does get done. I represent the south side of Chicago. Just Google the crime in Chicago. Guns are an issue. Poverty is an issue. Other issues exist, but just sending a message that we want dangerous guns off the streets, I think, makes a lot of sense.”

“I think that’s a big discussion,” said State Rep. Mike Marron (R-Fithian). “I think it’s probably more than a three-day discussion. It’s a serious problem. It needs to happen because this is a serious problem, and we need to stop these incidents from occurring in the future. But we’re on a little short notice at this point.”

After today, the General Assembly is scheduled to meet tomorrow, Saturday, and Tuesday. The new General Assembly is sworn in Wednesday.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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