In response to a recent federal court ruling in support of Highland Park’s assault weapons ban, state Senator Julie Morrison introduced a measure to restore the right to ban assault weapons to every city and village in the state.

“This is about local control,” the Deerfield Democrat said. “Highland Park decided to protect its citizens by banning assault weapons. Every other city and village in Illinois should have that same right.”

The highly controversial 2013 law that allowed Illinois residents to carry concealed weapons also prohibited local governments from banning assault weapons.

“In 2013, when the opportunity to pass an assault weapon ban arose, the City of Highland Park took action because it was in the best interest of those we serve,” said Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering. “While we were confident of the legality of our legislation, we are gratified that the Northern Illinois District Court and now the 7th Circuit Court affirmed that our ordinance is lawful. This legislation will provide all Illinois municipalities the opportunity to protect their communities. As a mom of four sons, the memories of Sandy Hook ran through my mind as we took the vote to regulate weapons. As a mayor, banning assault weapons is a common sense step to reducing gun violence and protecting our children, our law enforcement and our communities from potential mass violence and grief. I appreciate Senator Morrison's immediate action in introducing Senate Bill 2130 this morning.”

Morrison’s legislation undoes the 2013 prohibition on cities banning assault weapons.

“Now that we have a court decision that affirms communities can ban assault weapons, I’m sure more of Illinois’ cities and towns will want to pass ordinances to keep their residents safe,” said Colleen Daley of the Illinois Council against Handgun Violence. “Senator Morrison’s legislation would help restore local control on this important public safety issue.”

The Gun Violence Prevention PAC also praised the initiative.

"Local governments should have control over the public safety of their children, families and communities. Weapons that have one purpose, to kill as many people as quickly as possible, have no place in our neighborhoods," said Executive Director, Kathleen Sances.