Some Illinois gun owners will have to report their weapons to state police

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCCU) — The U.S. Supreme Court denied a request to block Illinois’ assault weapons ban. Meaning the ban, for now, stays in effect.

The Illinois assault weapons ban, also known as the Protect Illinois Communities Act, bans several semi-automatic weapons and magazines. Though if you bought one before the ban took effect, there are things you need to know.

“Anyone who owns a weapon now, who bought it before the ban on sales took effect will have to file a certificate by the end of this year with Illinois State Police (ISP),” said John Schmidt, Illinois Gun Violence Prevention Action Committee (GPAC) executive board and council member.

Schmidt believes that the requirement of reporting these assault weapons to law enforcement will not only keep communities safe, but gun owners as well.

“And if they have filed that certificate, actually it protects them, as well as I think the community by allowing a clear evidence of ownership, and it eliminates what otherwise would be a problem in enforcing the new law,” explained Schmidt.

Though others disagree, saying applying for the certificate is a violation of their second amendment.

“It doesn't say in the constitution that I have to register a gun, it does not say that I can or can not own any type of gun that I choose to. It’s my right to pick and choose what gun I own or don’t own,” said Doug Schmidgall, owner of Aim 2 Shoot in Springfield.

Opponents like Schmigall say the bill won’t stop gun violence, because criminals won't be the ones reporting their guns.

“Those people don’t have FOID cards. It doesn't stop a thing. Illegal guns are illegal guns, they’re not gonna register an illegal gun,” said Schmigall. “Law abiding citizens might, but we are law abiding citizens, we don’t commit the crimes.”

Owners of guns and accessories now banned by the assault weapons ban have until January 1st of next year to report their gun(s) to ISP.