South West Illinois News

Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Mt. Vernon) helped kill a bill she argued went too far regarding changes to gun laws in Illinois.

HB4117  would amend Criminal Code 2012 to prohibit the sale, production, purchase or handling of a trigger modification device in Illinois, as well as classify the act as a Class 4 felony. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Martin Moylan (D-Des Plaines), required immediate consideration on Oct. 26 in light of the recent Las Vegas mass shooting.

Bryant said that rather than make Illinois safer, the bill’s language went against Second Amendment rights and jeopardized the ability of disabled gun owners to fire a weapon.

“This piece of legislation, although it may not be the intent of the sponsor, would also control common gun smithing items including triggers, springs, slides, firing pins, bolts, buffers and muzzle brakes,” Bryant said. “It isn’t just about bump stocks or Tannerite; it is about whether law-abiding citizens have the right to own firearms and make reasonable modifications.”

Bryant suggested that HB4120, sponsored by Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake), is “much more narrowly crafted and actually could possibly take up the intent” of HB4117.

Bryant argued that HB4117 overreached and did not consider all gun owners.

"I think the body needs to recognize bump stocks are not just about how fast can we fire this; it’s also about whether or not someone who has a disability is actually able to truly use a firearm,” Bryant said.

Moylan countered that safety should be the primary concern.

“My measure will help save lives and reduce the destructive power of military assault style weapons,” Moylan said. “Today we take the first step towards better protecting our loved ones."

Bryant was not swayed.

 “What this bill wants to do is to find some way to modify some of the terrible things we saw in Las Vegas, but the problem is some of the language that goes with banning bump stocks only talks about it being a novelty item,” Bryant said.

HB4117 failed, 54-48.