Aldermen rejected two proposed ordinances that would have banned possession of assault weapons in the city and placed new registration requirements on gun-shop owners.
In an overflow crowd of more than 270 people, one person backed sponsor Ald. Don Smith. At least a dozen residents spoke against the ordinance proposals.
“I did not really have an expectation that this would pass,” Smith said. “I live in Des Plaines and have the right and opportunity as an alderman to bring forth legislation that’s in the best interests of the community.”
The ordinances Smith proposed called on residents and gun dealers to turn in assault rifles and ammunition during a grace period or face fines of $300 to $500 for first offenses and jail terms of up to 90 days for further non-compliance.
Among other provisions the ordinances would have required gun-shop owners to submit to police background checks and fingerprinting and to take “reasonable precautions to ensure that firearms the licensee sells will not be used illegally.”
“This would put me out of business,” said Claudia Levin, co-owner of Maxon Shooting Supplies and Indoor Range, 1226 Rand Rd. The proposal also would have prohibited gun shops within a quarter-mile of schools, churches, hospitals and nursing homes.
“By definition, criminals break laws and ignore laws, so these proposals will have no effect,” said resident Wayne Bachar.