Illinois Senate passes its version of proposed assault weapons ban

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Illinois senate passed its version of the proposed assault weapons ban bill on Monday night.

But, it was not without debate.

"But, here we are today. We're gonna make felons out of taxpayers," said Republican State Sen. Chapin Rose.

The Senate bill does make a modification from the bill the House passed on what high-capacity magazines would be banned. For long guns, it would be for those with more than 10 rounds. For handguns, it would be those with more than 15 rounds.

"This will not solve the problem, but this is absolutely a step in the right direction," said Senate President Don Harmon.

The bill now goes back to the Illinois House for consideration. They go back into session at noon on Tuesday.

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If approved, Gov. JB Pritzker has said he would sign into law.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot praised the progress on the bill.

"I haven't read the bill, like I said the devils in the details, but at least in the broad strokes, I think this is significant and important progress," Lightfoot said.

The bill got a joint endorsement Monday night from the governor, the House speaker, along with the Senate president.

The vote for the ban comes roughly six months after the deadly Highland Park parade shooting.