Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn amended legislation yesterday to place a ban on assault weapons in the state. But while the move and related press conference drew attention to state gun laws, there is more or less no chance the state legislature will agree to a ban.

Quinn placed an "amendatory veto" on legislation sponsored by State Sen. David Luechtefeld (R-Okawville) that allows Illinois gun owners to have ammunition from state manufacturers shipped to their homes. Capitol Fax explains that in order for an amendatory veto to move, it must have support from the original bill sponsor, and Luechtefeld does not back an assault weapons ban.

The Sun-Times provides a short history of state attempts to ban assault weapons. The most recent serious effort was in 2005 when a bill backed by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich narrowly failed in the House by a 57-58 vote.