Hearing in Springfield discusses Illinois’ new assault weapons ban

Posted on November 2, 2023
State Rep. Brad Halbrook. (Photo courtesy: Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Second Amendment supporters, at the first State Police hearing about the state’s assault weapons ban, have two words for it: it stinks. 

“One of the biggest issues … is the firearm registry requirement,” said State Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville), a member of the Illinois Freedom Caucus, testifying Thursday in Springfield.

“Hundreds of thousands of people will absolutely not comply,” Halbrook continued.” “It is up to the governor and the legislature to truly decide if they are prepared to declare war on law-abiding gun owners. 

“One thing will be certain: this we will defend. The right to bear arms shall not be infringed.”

Another witness, Greg Magnuson of Normal, said he fled California because of its gun laws – only to find the same sort of laws enacted here.

More hearings are scheduled Friday in Chicago and Monday in Caseyville.

Dave Dahl can be reach at [email protected].

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