South Central Reporter

A much-discussed bill that critics say would outlaw more than 100 currently legal firearms and gun accessories will not be enforced by the Christian County Board. 

HB5855, the Protecting Our Communities Act, is expected to come to a vote on the House Floor next month. 

“A huge shout out to the commissioners of Christian and Kankakee Counties. In the last 24 hours both counties passed resolutions that they will not allow county resources to be used to enforce HB 5855,” Gunrights4Illinois posted on Facebook. “Contact your county board today and firmly tell them you want similar legislation passed in your county.” 

The Christian County Board made the decision during its Tuesday, Dec. 21 meeting. 

The move follows that of Iroquois County, which passed its own resolution prohibiting county funds from being spent on enforcement efforts outlined under HB5855, according to Kankakee Times.

Greenville attorney Tom DeVore has offered his services to citizens seeking to follow Iroquois County’s lead. Iroquois County announced its jurisdiction will not enforce the legislation should it become law. It is one of 68 Second Amendment sanctuaries in which gun owners' rights have been asserted at the county level. 

Todd Vandermyde, a former contract lobbyist with the National Rifle Association in Illinois, broke down Iroquois County’s measure on his Freedom’s Steel YouTube channel. “So what does that mean?” Vandermyde, who dubbed himself Illinois' all-round gun law guru, said. “Well, the sheriff's department is not going to be going out there and aiding the state police or any other agency in enforcement measures against this or any similar type of legislation, the way this resolution reads. Not only that, it doesn't look like the State's Attorney’s office is going to be able to expend any funds in the prosecution of anybody under House Bill 5855 should it become law.” Vandermyde also voiced out his stand during the Dec. 20 HB5855 hearing.