Protect Illinois Communities Act backlash

Some local enforcement agencies have vowed not to enforce Illinois’ new law that prohibits semi-automatic rifles, including AR-15s.

Transcript

00:00A new Illinois law prohibits semi-automatic rifles, including AR-15s, but at least 85 of

00:05the state's 102 sheriffs have vowed not to enforce the law to different degrees.

00:11So what exactly does the new law ban and why are some local law enforcement agencies refusing to

00:15abide by it? Brute can explain in less than 60 seconds. The Protect Illinois Communities Act

00:20was enacted last week and bans the sale and distribution of assault weapons,

00:24high capacity magazines, and switches in the state. Illinois residents that currently own

00:28these now banned firearms will not be required to turn them over, but will have to register them

00:33with the state. And although this reform was successfully passed by the state's General

00:37Assembly and signed into law by the governor, some law enforcement officials and lawmakers

00:42are refusing to implement the new restrictions. Some county sheriffs publicly said they were not

00:46going to enforce the law, saying it's an abuse of power or goes against their oaths to protect

00:51citizens' constitutional rights. Many Republicans in the state, gun shop owners, and the NRA have

00:57argued against the new law as well.