Illinois State Police assault weapon registry underway: What to know

For the past month, the Illinois State Police has operated its online registry for those wishing to keep guns and attachments now banned by the state's ban on semi-assault weapons.

The registry is open until Jan. 1, 2024, but many of the state's Firearm Owner Identification Card possessors have yet to register. As of Thursday, only 2,430 individuals had completed a disclosure according to ISP data — accounting for 4,592 firearms, 2,431 accessories and 44 ammunition pieces.

While some have threatened non-compliance, much of the hold-up has been over confusion about how to properly respond to the state order and whether certain items are covered by the ban.

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ISP has responded with a series of public meetings, starting Thursday at the Stratton building. Further conversation is expected next month with the Illinois General Assembly Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Protect Illinois Communities Act in January, where Illinois became the ninth state to ban semi-assault weapons. The Illinois Supreme Court later upheld the act's constitutionality in August, but several federal challenges are still outstanding.

Here's what to know:

How do I register my guns or weapons attachments?

There are several options for registering whether that be online or in-person. The form can be accessed at the ISP website by logging into a user's FOID account and then filling out the subsequent questions.

State police also offer kiosk services at three locations, including at 801 S. 7th St., in Springfield which is open from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information, ISP has created a video explaining the online application process.

What information do I need to share when registering?

Those registering a semi-assault weapon, attachments and other banned items will need to file their FOID account information in addition to disclosing the weapon and model type, serial number and when the item was acquired if known.

Is it a criminal offense to not register with ISP?

After Pritzker signed the ban into law, many promised to not comply including his former gubernatorial challenger turned Illinois Congressional District 12 candidate Darren Bailey.

Rep. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, said Thursday that hundreds of thousands will not abide by the registry order.

"It's up to the governor and the legislature to truly decide if they are prepared to declare war on law-abiding gun owners or not," he said during the meeting.

If that holds true, gun owners would be subject to Class A misdemeanor upon the first offense and Class 3 felony for the second and subsequent offenses per the bill. A Class 3 felony could land those found in violation with up to 10 years in prison.

Those who intentionally provide false information in their registration are also punishable and considered perjury.

Are there any exempted groups or individuals?

Qualified law enforcement officers — meaning they are permitted to carry firearms or hold arrest powers - and active duty military are not required to register with ISP.

The exemptions listed by PICA have been seen by some as a violation of the state constitution's equal protection clause, while others hold that the exempted parties hold higher responsibility for the public safety of others.

Contact Patrick M. Keck: 312-549-9340, pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: One month in, thousands still not registering banned weapons with ISP