Illinois’ “assault weapon” ban (HB5471) has passed into law and has so far failed to obtain a preliminary injunction blocking its enforcement (even on appeal).  It is, therefore, currently in full force and effect. 

HB 5471 states explicitly that an “assault weapon” must be a semiautomatic firearm.  It then describes certain offending features said semiautomatic firearm must have for it to fall into the law’s definition of an “assault weapon” (see Sec. 24-1.9.a.(1) on page 84). 

However, the law specifically EXCLUDES firearms that are manually operated (e.g., bolt-action) from the definition of an “assault weapon.”

This exclusion clause (see Sec. 24-1.9.a.(2) on page 93) reads:

“Assault weapon” does not include:

A firearm that is manually operated by bolt, pump, lever or slide action, unless the firearm is a shotgun with a revolving cylinder.

An in-depth legal analysis will be coming soon.