SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — While President Biden plans new executive action aimed at cracking down on so-called “ghost guns” in the U.S., the state of Illinois has already passed it’s own ban on those firearms.
“Ghost guns” are firearms without a serial number and are often built using an online kit or even a 3-D printer.
During the legislative session that just ended, lawmakers approved a measure that, in part, imposes and all-out ban on ghost guns in Illinois.
One of the bill’s sponsors was State Senator Kam Buckner (D-Chicago).
He says the ban does not take away a gun owners rights and that it will hold up in court.
“When a ghost bun (ban) was passed in Nevada, two lawsuits were filed, one on the state level and one of the federal level and the federal court upheld the law in its entirety,” he said.
“In fact, the federal judge said there is nothing in the ban which prevents anyone from going to a gun store and buying a firearm for self defense.”
Opponents, like State Senator Neil Anderson (R-Moline) disagree, saying the ban will have unintended consequences for those who just enjoy building their own guns.
“This isn’t fixing a problem. This is just making criminals out of people who just have a hobby.”
Proponents of additional regulations on these ghost guns fear that criminals will learn how to use them more over time.
So far, the National Rifle Association has come out against any restrictions against home made firearms, saying they are a breach of individuals’ Second Amendment rights.
