SPRINGFIELD - Municipalities across Illinois would once again have the ability of regulating military-style assault weapons under a plan advanced today by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield).

“At a time of continued inaction in Washington, it is imperative we give local communities who want to regulate assault weapons the legal ability to do so,” Morrison said. “This is a commonsense proposal that empowers local communities to make the decision about assault weapons that is in their best interests.”

Current Illinois law places a roadblock on municipalities from enacting assault weapon bans. The practice was legal until 2013, when the controversial law allowing Illinois residents to carry concealed weapons was passed.

Highland Park was one community that enacted an assault weapons ban before the state prohibition went into effect. Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering testified in the Senate Judiciary Committee today about the importance of giving control to local communities wanting to regulate assault weapons.

“Fortunately, we don’t have an assault weapons problem in Highland Park. But I can say that neither did Newtown, Orlando, DeKalb, Aurora, Sutherland Springs, Las Vegas nor Parkland. How long does this list need to go on?” Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering said. “I ask you to let those elected to represent their communities be allowed to do so.”

Senate Bill 2314 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee this afternoon and will now head to the Senate floor for further debate.