Stalled Illinois proposal bans weapons

MARSHALL, Ill. (WTHI) - A stalled bill moving towards the Illinois senate has language that would restrict the use of semi-automatic assault weapons. It would also place restriction on high-capacity ammunition clips.   

The proposal comes less than a month after a deadly elementary school massacre in Connecticut.

Those in favor of the ban believe it would help prevent shootings like Sandy Hook.

But those opposing the ban say the bill will treat law-abiding gun owners like criminals.   

Just like Illinois' lawmakers, the state's residents are also divided on Illinois gun control laws.

“I think anything that takes away from causing danger to our children, such as what we all went through, if it takes an act of God, that’s what it takes. What happened was horrendous, and it keeps happening, there’s got to be a way to stop it,” said Louella, an Illinois resident.

“I believe that you have the right to defend yourself. And criminals don’t obey the laws, so why does it do any good to have any more laws when criminals don’t obey the ones we have. The only people this hurts are the decent people who want to protect themselves from the people who are going to have guns whether they’re going to have laws against them or not,” said Charla, an Illinois resident.

But one Illinois store owner said if this new proposal passes, it will hurt him in his pocket.

“It would be a major impact on my business….it would eliminate 90 percent of my inventory,” said William Behnke, Sr., owner of Lost Creek Trading Post.

The bill's sponsors said they believe these bills are a step in the right direction to create a more civil nation, saying establishing gun restrictions would make for a safer country.  

But Behnke isn't just worried about losing his business.   

He sides with National Rifle Association lobbyists who say the bills treat law-abiding gun owners like criminals.

“It definitely creates problems for lawful gun owners. As a retired police officer, 36 years as a police officer, I had very few problems with people who had firearms that were legally owned. Problems I had were with criminals having them,” said Behnke.

Now it's important to note, the Senate Committee approved this measure.   

But lawmakers told News 10, the measure has been stalled.   

Senate democrats say they will now vote on the measure at a later date.   

News 10 will continue to follow this story.