BENTON – State Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) is urging his constituents that are concerned with the latest gun control legislation pending in Springfield to sign his petition opposing the measure. Severin, who serves as the Republican ranking member on the House Judiciary Criminal Law Committee, launched the petition drive this week after what he says have been hundreds of calls, emails, text and private messages from concerned citizens.
“The people in my district have overwhelmingly stated their opposition to HB 5855, the so-called assault weapons ban that’s being pushed by Chicago and suburban Democrats,” Severin said. “There is a total misunderstanding by House Democrats of our constitutional right to bear arms. The bill severely limits gun ownership for law-abiding citizens. It is time we speak out and speak up as a region.”
Severin’s petition can be found here: https://www.ilhousegop.org/severin_gun_rights
“The Democrats’ sweeping gun and ammunition control legislation contains several items I find troubling and wrong. HB 5855 as written would ban legal gun ownership for people under age 21, outlaw hunting for people under age 21 unless accompanied by an adult age 21 or older that holds a valid FOID card, and force law abiding citizens to pay a fee to register their semi-automatic rifles, handguns, and shotguns. Failure to comply with these strict regulations would make law-abiding citizens into felons overnight,” Severin said. “In Southern Illinois, we value our traditions and our constitutional rights. I’m asking my constituents to join me in sending a resounding message opposing this unconstitutional gun control bill.”