If passed, HB5855 would be the most restrictive gun control law in the nation, according to proponents and critics alike. The Illinois State Rifle Association and others have vowed litigation should the house bill pass. | Facebook/ ISRA
If passed, HB5855 would be the most restrictive gun control law in the nation, according to proponents and critics alike. The Illinois State Rifle Association and others have vowed litigation should the house bill pass. | Facebook/ ISRA
In the face of HB5855, billed by Democrats as Protect Illinois Communities Act, Iroquois County has rededicated itself to constitutional gun rights.
If passed, HB5855 would be the most restrictive gun control law in the nation, according to proponents and critics alike. The Illinois State Rifle Association and others have vowed litigation should the
“WHEREAS, proposed legislation, any bills similar to, under consideration by the Illinois State Legislature which would infringe upon the Right to Keep and Bear Arms of commonly owned firearms by the individuals citizens of Iroquois County, Illinois, is a direct violation of the 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution,” Iroquois County said in a resolution.
“NOW, THEREFORE, IT BE AND IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the County Board of Iroquois County, Illinois, do hereby oppose enactment of any legislation upon the Right of the People to keep and bear arms and consider such laws to be unconstitutional and beyond lawful Legislative Authority.”
“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Iroquois County Board hereby orders that Iroquois County shall not support the enforcement of HB5855 Protect Illinois Communities Act through the use of county funds, appropriations, personnel or property. The use of these limited resources is hereby banned from enforcing HB5855.”
“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Iroquois County Board expects all elected officers of Iroquois County to support and enforce this resolution.”
“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Iroquois County Board demands that the Illinois General Assembly cease further actions restricting the Right of the People to keep and bear arms.”
Iroquois County was one of the original sanctuary counties for gun owners. Now over 60% of Illinois counties are considered sanctuary counties.
Todd Vandermyde has been reporting on HB5855 from his Freedom’s Steel YouTube channel. He discusse Iroquois County’s resolution.
“So what does that mean?” Vandermyde said. “Well, the sheriff's department is not going to be going out there and aiding the state police or any other agency in enforcement measures against this or any similar type legislation. The way this resolution reads it doesn't look like the State's Attorney’s office is going to be able to expend any funds in the prosecution of anybody under House Bill 5855 should it become law.”
Vandermyde was a lobbyist for the National Rifle Association in Illinois for several years.
HB5855 would make the possession of several types of firearms - critics have said over 100 different types of guns - and accessories illegal.
“Makes it unlawful to manufacture, deliver, sell, or purchase or cause to be manufactured, delivered, sold, or purchased or cause to be possessed by another, an assault weapon, assault weapon attachment, .50 caliber rifle, or .50 caliber cartridge. Makes it unlawful for any person to knowingly possess an assault weapon, .50 caliber rifle, or .50 caliber cartridge 300 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act, except possession of weapons registered with the Illinois State Police in the time provided. Provides exemptions and penalties. Prohibits the manufacture, delivery, sale, purchase, or possession of large capacity ammunition feeding devices,” the bill’s synopsis reads in part.
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