Illinois Governor Signing Bill To Deter Flow Of Illegal Guns From Indiana And Beyond

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. Bruce Rauner is signing legislation to impose long prison sentences for people convicted of trafficking guns into Illinois.

Under the bill, a first conviction will carry a sentence of four to 20 years in prison. A subsequent offense will punishable by up to 30 years.

Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly says the governor is signing the bill Tuesday morning.

A 2014 report from the Chicago mayor's office concluded that nearly 60 percent of the guns used in Chicago are traced to neighboring states where it's easier to buy guns. Illinois requires permits to screen for criminal records and other disqualifiers. The report found that about 20 percent of illegal guns come from Indiana where no permit is required.

Illinois lawmakers unanimously approved the bill during this year's session.