Illinois Shotgun-Ban Bill Passes Senate Committee

Senate Bill 1195 (SB 1195), sponsored by Illinois Democratic Sen. Antonio Munoz, bans any shotgun that has a bore of .50 caliber or more. It outlaws 10, 12, 16, 20 and 28 gauge shotguns and even muzzleloaders. The bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee by a vote of 6-4 and now awaits a vote on the Senate floor.

The U.S. Sportsmen' s Alliance (USSA) says even if the clause imposing bore restrictions is fixed, SB 1195 bans any shotgun that has threads inside the end of the barrel. The USSA says that means any shotgun with choke tubes would be illegal. The bill also bans shotguns with a magazine capacity of more than four shells. Illinois citizens would have 90 days to turn in their guns to authorities or face prosecution.