A draconian gun ban in Illinois that could have set the stage for a nationwide assault on second amendment rights has failed, with lawmakers indicating that new gun control legislation is unlikely to make an appearance in the final days of the lame duck session.

Although a vote that if carried would have banned 50% of rifles and 80% of handguns owned by Illinois citizens was set to take place Sunday afternoon, State Rep. Elaine Nekritz surprised many by announcing there would be no debate on gun control.

Rep. Dwight Kay, R-Glen Carbon was surprised by the announcement, which was met by cheers from firearms enthusiasts who attended the House Judiciary Civil Law Committee meeting, telling the Belleville News-Democratthat he thought the bill had the votes to pass.