(CNI) — A southern Illinois federal judge officially declined to issue an injunction to delay the January 1 registration requirement under the state’s assault weapons ban.

Capitol News Illinois reports U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn issued the 34-page order on Friday.
Several challenges to the law are still making their way through the courts, but McGlynn’s decision means the law is not likely to face a temporary injunction while those cases progress.

Owners of weapons, ammunition and accessories banned under the act must register them with the Illinois State Police by January First in order to legally keep them.

By BETH HUNDSDORFER for Capitol News Illinois

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of print and broadcast outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.