CHICAGO (CBS) — A new law in Illinois makes it easier for victims of gun violence to sue gun manufacturers. Gov. JB Prtizker signed it into law on Saturday afternoon.
Pritzker spoke about the law while standing on stage at the Everytown for Gun Safety conference at McCormick Place. His appearance at the conference comes just a day after the state Supreme Court upheld another controversial law banning the sale of so-called assault weapons in the state.
That law also prohibits the sale and distribution of high-capacity magazines and switches that can turn semi-automatic weapons into automatic weapons.
The new move, the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act, prohibits advertising or marketing that encourages paramilitary or unlawful private militia activity. It prohibits firearm advertising to people under the age of 18 and limits the types of images that can be used in advertisements. And it allows people to sue manufacturers.
Pritzker said this law follows standards set in other industries.
“We hold opioid manufacturers accountable,” he said. “We hold vaping companies accountable. We hold predatory lenders accountable. Gun companies shouldn’t be able to hide from the law, and now they won’t be able to.”
Pritzker broke this news to a crowd of more than 2,000 people, many from Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action.
Pritzker has said his gun laws are a result of last year’s Highland Park shooting.
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