summary
Introduced
02/07/2025
02/07/2025
In Committee
02/18/2025
02/18/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Rafael Wordlaw Act. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that "machine gun" includes any firearm that is modified or equipped with a forced reset trigger, including an auto-switch or binary switch. Provides that a person commits the offense of unlawful possession of weapons when the person knowingly sells, manufactures, purchases, possesses or carries any firearm that is modified or equipped with a high-capacity magazine. Provides that aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon while carrying or possessing a weapon that has been modified or equipped with a forced reset trigger, including an auto-switch or binary switch, or high-capacity magazine, is a Class X felony. Provides that a person who knowingly sells, offers to sell, or transfers an unserialized unfinished frame or receiver or unserialized firearm is guilty of a Class 2 (rather than a Class 4) felony for a first violation and is guilty of a Class 1 (rather than a Class 2) felony for a second or subsequent violation. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Permits the court to sentence a defendant to an extended term sentence for specified firearms violations. Provides that if a firearm used to commit the offense was outfitted with parts designed or intended for use in converting any weapon into a machine gun or a high-capacity magazine, 5 consecutive years shall be added on to the 15, 20, or 25 years to life added to the sentence. Defines terms.
AI Summary
This bill, named the Rafael Wordlaw Act, makes several significant changes to Illinois firearm laws. It expands the definition of a "machine gun" to include firearms modified with forced reset triggers, auto-switches, or binary switches. The bill criminalizes the possession, sale, manufacture, or transfer of firearms equipped with high-capacity magazines (defined as magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds). Individuals found in possession of such weapons can now be charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, which is classified as a Class X felony.
The bill also increases penalties for selling or transferring unserialized unfinished firearm frames or receivers, changing the classification from a Class 4 felony to a Class 2 felony for first-time offenders, and from a Class 2 to a Class 1 felony for subsequent offenses. Additionally, the legislation allows courts to impose extended term sentences for firearms violations, with a specific provision adding 5 consecutive years to sentences when a firearm is outfitted with parts designed to convert it into a machine gun or equipped with a high-capacity magazine. The bill aims to address what legislators describe as an extraordinary threat to public safety from easily modifiable firearms and untracked "ghost guns".
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 02/18/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3577&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/HB/10400HB3577.htm |
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