Assault weapons are now illegal to buy and own in the state.

This week, Illinois officially became the ninth US state to completely ban assault weaponry and accessories, including semiautomatic rifles, high-capacity magazines, and rapid-fire devices and modifications. This major change is the result of the signing of the “Protect Illinois Communities Act” by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.

“For a long time now, I and many other leaders in the Illinois General Assembly have prioritized getting the most dangerous weapons off our state’s streets,” Pritzker said in a statement Tuesday. “Today, honoring the commitment we made, we passed one of the strongest assault weapons bans in the nation, one I will be proud to sign.”

The Highland Park shooting in Chicago six months ago was one of the major impetuses of this new bill, which completely bans both the purchase and ownership of any and all assault weapons within Illinois state lines.

I'm tired of living in a world where a mass shooting needs a title so you know which one we're referring to.

I just signed the Protect Illinois Communities Act, which immediately bans the sale and distribution of assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and switches in IL. pic.twitter.com/xvVfrlLSaU

— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) January 11, 2023

“No Illinoisan, no matter their zip code, should have to go through life fearing their loved one could be the next in an ever-growing list of victims of mass shootings,” Pritzker said. “However, for too long people have lived in fear of being gunned down in schools, while worshipping, at celebrations or in their own front yards. This legislation will stop the spread of assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and switches and make our state a safer place for all.”

Representatives of the Illinois State Rifle Association have threatened legal action against the state government over the bill’s passage.