Illinois gun owners have been following the Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA) closely since it passed in January 2023. Here is a short update on where the law stands as of September 2026.
What happened in July 2026
On July 9, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit ruled 2–1 to uphold Illinois’ ban on so-called assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. That decision reversed a federal district court ruling from late 2024 that had found the law unconstitutional. The dissent argued that the AR-15 and its magazines are protected by the Second Amendment.
What it means right now
PICA is in effect and enforceable. There is no injunction blocking it, so Illinois residents should continue to follow the law as written, including its registration requirements for covered firearms owned before the law took effect.
The Supreme Court is now involved
Shortly before the Seventh Circuit’s decision, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear cases challenging similar bans, including Cook County’s ordinance (Viramontes v. Cook County) and a Connecticut law. A ruling there could shape the future of assault weapons laws nationwide, including in Illinois. Until the Court rules, the Illinois law remains in place.
What you should do
- Keep following the law as it is written today.
- Stay informed through reliable sources rather than social media rumors.
- If you have questions about a specific firearm or magazine, consult a qualified Illinois firearms attorney.
We will keep an eye on developments and share updates here. Contact us with questions about training or compliance.
Sources
- Capitol News Illinois: Appeals court upholds Illinois’ ban on assault weapons, high-capacity magazines
- Illinois PICA Status 2026
This article is general information for education, not legal advice. Firearm laws change, so confirm current requirements with the Illinois State Police or a qualified attorney before you act.