Watch CBS News

General Assembly To Consider Mandatory Gun Crime Sentencing

(CBS) -- Illinois lawmakers will be back in Springfield tomorrow to start their fall veto session, and some issues important to Chicago officials could be among those high on the agenda, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.

The General Assembly will consider Mayor Emanuel's call for a three-year mandatory minimum sentence for illegal gun possession and many gun crimes.

General Assembly To Consider Mandatory Gun Crime Sentencing

Some Chicago Aldermen and state lawmakers worry the net is cast too wide and may ensnare otherwise law abiding citizens who obtained guns for their own protection could end up in jail.

Mayor Emanuel says he's not interested in putting the innocent behind bars.

"I am interested in the individual at the park in the Back of the Yards who just did a minor stint at boot camp that should have been behind bars. And if you are going to protect our community, our gun laws have to be stiffened. It is not just three-year minimums, although that is what I am fighting for here. It means an assault weapon ban. It means a ban on automatic clips," said Emanuel.

The lawmakers also could vote on same sex marriage if the bill is called. Governor Quinn would like them to vote on pensions, but a pension deal has still proved evasive.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.