Illinois gov. proposes state assault weapons ban

Illinois gov. proposes state assault weapons ban

CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is proposing a statewide ban on assault weapons.

The Chicago Democrat used his amendatory veto power today to call for changes in a bill related to in-state ammunition sales. It’s now up to lawmakers to accept or reject the changes.

The deadly Colorado movie theater shooting has sparked renewed debate about assault weapons, and anti-violence advocates have called for similar discussions in Chicago.

Illinois is the only state without a concealed carry law, but an assault weapons ban still is likely to face hurdles.

Other gun-control measures have failed in the General Assembly. And the Illinois Supreme Court this year reversed lower-court rulings that found an assault weapons ban in Cook County, which includes Chicago, constitutional. The case has been sent back to trial court.