US Supreme Court rejects emergency appeal against Illinois gun control law.

Supreme Court Denies Emergency Appeal to Block Illinois Gun Control Law

The National Association for Gun Rights and a firearms retailer have been denied an emergency appeal by the U.S. Supreme Court to block Illinois’ new gun control law. The law, signed by Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker in January, bans the manufacture or possession of dozens of rapid-fire rifles and pistols, .50-caliber guns, and some attachments. The legislation was enacted after a mass shooting in Highland Park, where a gunman killed seven victims and wounded dozens of others using a legally purchased semi-automatic rifle.

What the Law Entails

Illinoisans who already own such firearms must register them with the state no later than January 1, 2024. Gun makers can only sell firearms to suppliers in other states, and owners of the newly-banned guns in the state can still keep the devices on their private properties. Possessing unregistered firearms listed in the new law could result in a misdemeanor charge on the first offense and a felony charge for subsequent offenses.

The Challenge

Robert Bevis, the owner of Law Weapons & Supply gun store in Naperville, and the gun rights group challenged Naperville’s ordinance, arguing that it violates the Second Amendment. Bevis’ attorneys referenced a 2008 ruling by the Supreme Court on the landmark District of Columbia v. Heller case, which found that a categorical ban on arms held by law-abiding citizens is unconstitutional. The National Association of Gun Rights echoed similar points in its application, citing the Supreme Court decision to strike down New York state’s concealed carry law in the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen case.

What’s Next?

The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago will reportedly hear arguments on the case in June. For now, Illinois law will remain in place following the Supreme Court’s order.

• The law bans the manufacture or possession of dozens of rapid-fire rifles and pistols, .50-caliber guns, and some attachments.
• Illinoisans who already own such firearms must register them with the state no later than January 1, 2024.
• Gun makers can only sell firearms to suppliers in other states, and owners of the newly-banned guns in the state can still keep the devices on their private properties.
• Possessing unregistered firearms listed in the new law could result in a misdemeanor charge on the first offense and a felony charge for subsequent offenses.

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