Supreme Court to Review Bans on Semiautomatic Firearms in Illinois and Connecticut

The Supreme Court accepted two cases Tuesday that challenge bans on modern semiautomatic firearms in Cook County, Illinois, and Connecticut. The justices granted writs of certiorari in Viramontes v. Cook County, Illinois and Grant v. Higgins, and will consolidate the cases for argument during the term that begins in October.

The rulings will address whether the banned rifles qualify as arms in common use for lawful purposes under precedents set in District of Columbia v. Bruen.

Background on the Cases Cook County includes Chicago.

Connecticut enacted its restrictions separately. Both measures limit possession of certain semiautomatic rifles. The Second Amendment Foundation said the rifles are among the most commonly owned firearms in the country and therefore protected. The Firearms Policy Coalition posted that briefing will occur over the summer, oral arguments will take place in the fall, and an opinion is expected by June 2027.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation said it welcomed the decision after what it described as a lengthy legal process. The organization referred to the rifles as Modern Sporting Rifles.

Thursday the court struck down Hawaii's restriction on carrying firearms on private property in a 6-3 decision written by Associate Justice Samuel Alito. On June 18 the court limited a federal statute barring firearm possession by marijuana users in a unanimous ruling that upheld a Fifth Circuit decision.

A Virginia measure restricting modern semiautomatic firearms was blocked by preliminary injunctions. One chamber of the Virginia legislature voted Monday to delay the law's effective date.