The Supreme Court has allowed an Illinois law banning high-powered semiautomatic weapons to remain in place.
In a Thursday order with no noted dissents or explanation of its decision, the Supreme Court denied a request from the National Association for Gun rights, which asked for a preliminary injunction.
The ban, signed by Democratic Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker in January, includes penalties for individuals who, “carries or possesses… manufactures, sells, delivers, imports, or purchases any assault weapon or .50 caliber rifle.”
The law also includes statutory penalties for people who, “sells, manufactures, delivers, imports, possesses, or purchases any assault weapon attachment or .50 caliber cartridge.”
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Any kit or tools used to increase the fire rate of a semiautomatic weapon are also included in the ban, and the law includes a limit for purchases of certain magazines.
After Thursday’s ruling, the law will stay in place while it’s litigated in the lower courts.
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A 7th District U.S. Court of Appeals panel in November also refused a request to block the law. In August, the law was upheld by the Illinois Supreme Court in a 4-3 decision.
People who previously possessed guns that would otherwise be banned by the law can still own them if they are registered with the state prior to Jan. 1, 2024.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
