Updated May 8

At the Village Board meeting on February 20, 2018, Mayor Rosenthal directed that Staff and the Village Attorney present a report concerning the implementation of a ban on assault weapons. The proposed ordinance would ban the possession, sale and manufacture of assault weapons and large capacity magazines in the Village and is based on the City of Highland Park ordinance that withstood a legal challenge. 

The ordinance passed at the Village Board meeting on April 2 and took effect April 13; those with weapons in the Village need to remove them from Village limits before June 13. The ordinance provides for an effective date 60 days after the ordinance goes into effect and does not otherwise regulate or prohibit rifles, shot guns, pistols or ammunition. View the ordinance here. 

The Village of Deerfield has received the suits filed April 5 and April 19 concerning the Ordinance adopted April 2 banning assault weapons and large capacity magazines. The Village believes it has acted within its statutory authority and will be evaluating the suit in order to respond appropriately. No additional statements will be made on this pending litigation at this time. View the Village's statement on the Easterday Assault Weapons Ban Lawsuit here.

On Monday, May 7, the Deerfield Village Board unanimously approved the pro bono services of both the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence (the “Brady Center”) and Mr. Christopher Wilson, managing partner of the Chicago office of Perkins Coie (“Perkins”) to assist in the representation of the Village in the two lawsuits filed in the Lake County Circuit Court challenging the Village’s Assault Weapons Ordinance. Read more here.

Please contact the Village Manager's office at 847.719.7400 with questions or concerns. You may also view our FAQ document for answers to frequently asked questions.