Chambana Sun

State Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) voiced his reservations concerning the Protecting Illinois Communities Act and its impending new rules, underscoring the expected resistance from gun owners. 

Halbrook brought attention to the potential civil disobedience from Illinois gun owners who may choose not to comply with the law, thereby stirring up questions about the Governor and Legislature's readiness to handle non-compliance. He accentuated the staunch defense of their Second Amendment rights.

"I appreciate the Illinois State Police hosting these hearings. I think the consensus, however, will ring louder than is possible in any hearing room. Hundreds of thousands of people absolutely will not comply. It is up to the Governor and Legislature to truly decide if they are prepared to declare war on law-abiding Gun Owners, or not. One thing can be certain: this we will defend, our right to bear Arms shall not be infringed," State Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) said.

Illinois State Police confront opposition from gun rights advocates over novel rules to enforce the state’s assault weapons ban. Concerns hover around enforcement and compliance issues. Firearm owners seek clear instructions on registration prerequisites while anticipating federal court rulings on its constitutionality.

One month post-registration launch for assault-style weaponry in Illinois, uncertainty continues regarding enforcement and penalties, triggering concerns about meeting the Jan. 1, 2024 registration deadline. Even though current laws allow pre-ban weapon holders to keep them by registering, gun owners fear potential legal alterations that could reverse this provision. Uncertainties persist around penalties, methods employed by state police for enforcing registration, and eventual outcomes if legal challenges prevail.

Discontent brews among firearm holders due to a public hearing on proposed regulations for implementing an assault weapons registration law in Illinois providing limited immediate responses, causing anxiety about impending registration deadlines.

“It was frustrating at times,” Josh Witkowski, a lobbyist for the Illinois Federation of Outdoor Resources, told Capitol News Illinois. “You come hoping to get answers and instead get told ‘put your questions in writing.’ It’s a little frustrating to come to a public hearing and be told ‘just submit it in writing.’”