SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois lawmakers trying to stem the flow of illegal guns have sent Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner a bill that would punish firearm traffickers with up to 30 years in prison.
The proposal comes as Chicago is seeing another violent year, with shootings contributing to 381 homicides as of July 31. Investigators say most firearms recovered at crime scenes in recent years were bought where it’s easier to buy guns, such as neighboring Indiana.
Lawmakers sent Rauner the bill on June 27 and he has three weeks to decide whether to sign or veto it.
The measure unanimously passed both legislative chambers. The American Civil Liberties Union in Illinois argues the proposed sentences are too severe, while the Illinois State Rifle Association believes traffickers should be off the streets.
