ORDINANCE
WHEREAS, the City of Chicago is a home rule unit of government pursuant to the 1970 Illinois Constitution, Article VII, Section 6 (a); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to its home rule power, the City of Chicago may exercise any power and perform any function relating to its government and affairs including the power to regulate for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, like other major cities across America, the City of Chicago faces the ongoing challenge of combating the scourge of gun violence in our communities; and
WHEREAS, many imitation and replica firearms are manufactured in a manner that makes them nearly indistinguishable from working firearms; and
WHEREAS, imitation and replica firearms pose the greatest threat to mistakes in the use of force by police; and
WHEREAS, several foreign manufactured mobile phone cases which have the appearance of 9mm handguns have recently appeared for sale on several online retail outlets; and
WHEREAS, one "Gun Grip Case" features the grip of an actual gun and trigger guard attached to the housing of a phone cover; and
WHEREAS, when placed in a pocket, this product is indistinguishable from a working handgun; and
WHEREAS, law enforcement officials from New York, New Jersey and Michigan among others have advised people not to purchase or use this product; and
WHEREAS, numerous incidents have been reported by law enforcement officers across the country who have mistakenly identified imitation or replica firearms to be working handguns; and
WHEREAS, the City intends to update its prohibition against replica firearms to include mobile phone cases and other items likely to pose a serious threat to public safety; NOW THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO:
SECTION 1. The above recitals are expressly incorporated herein and made part hereof as though fully set forth herein.
SECTION 2. Section 4-144-190 of the Municipal Code of Chicago is hereby amended inserting t...
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