CHICAGO — Illinois could ban assault weapons under a plan proposed Tuesday by Gov. Pat Quinn, but any gun control regulation would have to clear major hurdles even with a renewed nationwide debate.
The Chicago Democrat used his amendatory veto power to gut a bill related to ammunition sales and add language prohibiting the manufacture, delivery, sale and possession of semiautomatic assault-style weapons and attachments. Illinois lawmakers could accept or override the changes, or not call a vote at all.
The proposal specifically bans the AK-47, AR-15 and TEC-9.
“It’s very clear that these particular weapons are not designed to do anything but to have human targets,” Quinn told reporters in Chicago.
The deadly Colorado movie theater shooting has sparked renewed debate about assault-style 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.
The governor has used amendatory vetoes more than a dozen times in the past year; amendments were approved twice.
