2A NEWSLETTER: WEEK OF JANUARY 12TH

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1% of Illinois Gun Owners Comply with 'Assault Weapons' Registration

Illinois’ attempt to enforce an assault weapons ban, particularly targeting AR-15s and similar firearms, has met with a notable level of non-compliance from gun owners. According to the Illinois State Police (ISP), fewer than 30,000 out of approximately 2.4 million Firearms Owner Identification (FOID) card holders registered their firearms as required by the new law. This figure, representing just 1.2% of the state's documented gun owners, signifies a strong stance against what many perceive as an infringement on their constitutional rights.

The Protect Illinois Communities Act, which became effective at the start of 2024, classifies numerous semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns as "assault weapons" and prohibits their possession, sale, and manufacture. The law also restricts attachments, ammunition magazine capacity and outlaws certain calibers. Non-compliance with the registration requirement leads to misdemeanor charges, and manufacturing or selling these firearms is now a felony. However, the law has been met with resistance not just from citizens, but also from law enforcement officials, with several county sheriffs openly refusing to enforce it.

Illinois is not alone in facing resistance to gun control measures. Similar patterns have emerged in other states like New York and California, indicating a broader trend of reluctance among gun owners to comply with bans and registration requirements. This resistance reflects a deep-seated belief in the sanctity of the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms.

The assault weapons ban in Illinois has also ignited legal challenges. While initial rulings found the law unconstitutional, appeals courts have overturned these decisions, leading to a complex and ongoing legal battle. The focus is now on the registry requirement, with a federal judge recently ordering an expedited hearing to review it on its merits.

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2024: A Crucial Year for Second Amendment Advocacy Amid New Gun Laws

As 2024 unfolds, various states across the U.S. have introduced new gun laws, sparking significant discussions among Second Amendment advocates. These laws cover a broad spectrum, from concealed carry restrictions to outright bans on certain types of firearms, shaping the way Americans exercise their constitutional right to bear arms.

California's New Concealed Carry Restrictions

California's recent legislation, limiting concealed carry in specific public places, marks a contentious development. Governor Gavin Newsom's signing of this law, which now stands despite a lower court's block and ongoing appellate review, is receiving close attention from Second Amendment supporters.

Illinois' Semiautomatic Weapons Ban

Illinois has made a significant move by banning specific semiautomatic weapons, including AK-type and AR-15-type firearms. This law is facing resistance from many state sheriffs, reflecting a profound tension between state-level legislation and local law enforcement's dedication to upholding Second Amendment freedoms.

Extended Waiting Periods in Washington State

In Washington, the waiting period for all firearms purchases has been extended to 10 days. This expansion, previously limited to pistols and semiautomatic weapons, is an unnecessary hindrance, potentially delaying the exercise of self-defense rights.

Colorado's Ban on “Ghost Guns”

Colorado's approach to untraceable firearms, often assembled from kits or via 3D printing, involves banning “ghost guns”. This measure has already faced legal opposition due to this law infringing Second Amendment rights and the liberty to construct firearms for lawful use.

Red-Flag Laws in Minnesota and Michigan

Minnesota's introduction of a red-flag law, soon to be followed by Michigan, allows courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk.

2024 Ballot Initiatives and Beyond

With the Biden administration's stance on assault weapons and ghost guns, the Second Amendment community is preparing for potential ballot initiatives in 2024. Issues like universal background checks and the expansion of concealed carry rights could be at the forefront of these initiatives. The Supreme Court's upcoming decisions, particularly on the New York gun case, are expected to significantly influence the national conversation on gun laws.

In 2023, advocacy groups like Everytown for Gun Safety, along with Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, have been vocal about their perceived victories in passing over 80 gun safety policies across various states. They tout these achievements as major strides in gun control, highlighting the blocking of what they term the gun lobby's agenda and the allocation of significant funding towards gun violence prevention.

However, several judicial decisions have favored Second Amendment rights in 2023, illustrating a defense against overreaching gun control measures. A federal judge's ruling blocked the Biden administration's attempt to enforce a new rule requiring background checks for gun buyers under 21. This decision is viewed as a significant win for upholding the rights of younger Americans to responsibly own firearms. In Indiana, a state judge halted the enforcement of a law that sought to ban the sale of so-called assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. This ruling is seen as a crucial step in protecting the rights of citizens to own standard firearms used for a variety of lawful purposes, including self-defense and sport. Also, a federal judge overturned a California law requiring gun owners to demonstrate 'good cause' for a concealed carry permit reaffirming the right to carry firearms for self-defense. This ruling is particularly significant as it challenges restrictive measures that impede the ability of law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights.

2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for gun rights in America. Our constitutional freedoms remain a central focus. Second Amendment advocates must continue to monitor and respond to these legislative changes, ensuring that any new laws respect the constitutional right to bear arms. The developments across the states represent not just legal and political shifts but also a reaffirmation of the enduring importance of the Second Amendment.

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20 State Attorneys General Push to Restrict 5.56mm Ammo to Military

A coalition led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, representing various U.S. states including New York, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, has issued a letter to the White House, pushing for restrictions on the sale of military-grade ammunition to civilians.

5.556 ammunition is mostly used for legitimate, often essential, activities such as self-defense and recreational shooting The approach of penalizing the vast majority not only seems unjust but also encroaches upon the constitutional rights of Americans.

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