A proposed assault-weapons ban that Illinois Governor Pat Quinn announced in August with great fanfare has fizzled without discussion in the Senate.
The Senate voted 49-4 Wednesday to override Quinn's amendatory veto that rewrote legislation to prohibit the sale or possession of semi-automatic rifles, high-capacity magazines and .50-caliber guns. Quinn's action came after a mass shooting at a suburban Denver movie theater.
Southern Illinois Republican State Senator Dave Luechtefeld of Okawville says Quinn overstepped his authority. Luechtefeld's original bill merely allowed approved Illinois gun owners who buy ammunition through the mail to purchase it from Illinois companies as well as those out of state.
An aide says Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn will ``vigorously pursue'' a ban on assault weapons even though the Senate rebuffed his attempt on Wednesday. Quinn Spokeswoman Brooke Anderson says the Democratic governor will continue seeking a statewide assault-weapons ban to enhance public safety. She would not elaborate on his strategy.
The bill moves to the House.
