By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Ill. – A bill to requiring background checks to buy weapons at gun shows has passed the Illinois Legislature.
But gun rights advocates say it infringes on the rights of law-abiding citizens.
Todd Vandermyde with the National Rifle Association says the organization is against the plan because it allows the state to keep a permanent data base of the sales.
He says only those who will pass the background check will end up in the data base.
"That's not gang bangers. Those aren't the street thugs or the criminals that are out there committing mayhem in the streets," Vandermyde said. "Now, if this is such a great tool for going after gang bangers, no one has explained how they can do that if they're not in the data base to begin with."
A lobbyist for the city of Chicago says the measure is needed because gang members often have others buy guns for them.
Governor Rod Blagojevich says he will sign the legislation into law.