Confusion over the state’s “assault weapons” ban registration process has prompted the Illinois State Police (ISP) to hold a series of public hearings.

Following this week’s JCAR meeting, where members expressed concern over the lack of clarity found in the rules – including what specific firearms are subject to registration – the ISP agreed to hold three hearings to answer the public’s questions and comments.

State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) says complicating matters further are pending lawsuits at the federal level over the constitutionality of the new law, worrying law-abiding gun owners about what happens to their information if the law is eventually overturned.

Enacted earlier this year, the law requires those who owned the now-banned firearms prior to Jan. 10, 2023, to register them by Jan. 1, 2024, in order to possess them legally without facing criminal penalties. Registration of those firearms began Oct. 1.

The Illinois State Police announced its first hearing scheduled for Nov. 2 at 9:30 a.m. in Room D1 of the Stratton Building in Springfield. The other dates and locations have not yet been set.