1.2% Compliance w/Assault Weapons Ban

Monday was the deadline for Illinois residents who own any of the 170 “assault-style weapons” banned under the Protect Illinois Communities Act to register them with the state police.

Being found out of compliance could lead to a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense, or a Class 3 felony for second and subsequent offenses.

The final numbers from Illinois State Police show that 1.2% of the state’s 2.4 million Firearm Owners ID cards holders had registered their weapons.  Not everyone who has a FOID card owns a weapon or attachment that falls under the law.  Registration opened on October 1st.

The Protect Illinois Communities Act bans the sale of semi-automatic pistols, shotguns, and rifles because they are now considered assault weapons. 

The ban includes exceptions for certain individuals, such as active and retired law enforcement, active military, prison guards, and private security.

A status hearing for one of the many cases challenging the constitutionality of the ban has been set for later this month.

Sheriffs in 88 counties in Illinois have said they will not enforce the law.