The Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA) was signed into law on January 10, 2023, and went into effect on the same day.
What does PICA change?
It bans the sale, delivery and purchase of assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and .50 caliber rifles and ammunition.
What actions should the owners of the newly prohibited items take to remain in compliance with the new law?
1. Register the newly prohibited items with the Illinois State Police (ISP) before January 1, 2024, or face a Class 2 felony charge; and
2. Take one of the following actions within ninety (90) days from January 1, 2024:
– Modify their weapons to comply with the law,
– Legally transfer ownership to someone out of state,
– Surrender them to law enforcement, or
– Sell them to a licensed dealer.
Note: Although the allotted timeframe for registration has expired, the ISP has left the portal open for late registration and agreed not to pursue charges on those who register their commonly owned firearms, banned under PICA, after January 1, 2024.
The proponents of PICA believe that the new law will increase public safety, while the opponents argue that it infringes on Second Amendment rights. Regardless of your stance on this new law, PICA is the law and it is pertinent that all Illinois residents fully understand the specifics of PICA to remain complaint with it.
If you should have additional questions or need more information about how to ensure your firearms and accessories are properly registered or disposed of within the allotted timeframe, please contact the Law Offices of Azita M. Mojarad, P.C. by e-mailing us at azita@azitalaw.com or calling us at 312.641-0771.