Rep. Tony McCombie | Facebook / Tony McCombie
Rep. Tony McCombie | Facebook / Tony McCombie
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savannah) is preparing for an early test of her leadership when the House votes on sweeping gun control legislation contained in HB5855, the Protect Illinois Communities Act.
HB5855 would ban several types of common guns and magazines, and create a registry whereby gun owners must inventory their guns.
“We heard from proponents and opponents on HB5855 and we will see where the bill goes during Lame Duck Session which begins Jan 4th! Thank you to all of you that have voiced your opinion on the bill...” McCombie said on Facebook.
The post came as the House Judiciary Committee held a third hearing on the bill on Dec. 20. HB5855 outlaws several commonly owned types of firearms and magazines. As many as five million firearms and 10 million magazines in the state may be affected if the gun ban becomes law. Gun rights advocates have vowed to seek legal relief should the bill pass. A vote on the bill in the House is expected in the lame-duck session set to begin in early January. State Rep. Denyse Wang Stoneback (D-Skokie) is a co-sponsor of the measure. She is in her final days in the chamber after losing a primary battle earlier this year.
When considering options on how to combat the bill, many have pointed to the precedent New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen decision levied by the United States Supreme Court in June. That landmark case overturned a New York State law that required those seeking to conceal carry firearms to show a demonstrable need to defend themselves. That case opened up more rights for gun owners nationwide and required New York to allow more rights for concealed carry holders. It invalidated laws in other states as well seeking additional documentation on why gun owners seek to exercise their second amendment rights.
McCombie, Prairie State Wire reported, said the bill is unconstitutional. “While HB 5855 is likely far from in its final form, the constitutionality of the bill will certainly go before the courts,” McCombie said.
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