Gov. Pat Quinn and Illinois Democrats are pushing the gun restrictions in the wake of the school massacre in Connecticut last month.(Photo courtesy flickr)

By The Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD - An Illinois Senate committee, in a party-line vote, has approved restrictions on semiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition clips

One measure would ban the sale of semiautomatic handguns and rifles. People who currently own such weapons could keep them, but would have to register them.

The second proposal would limit ammunition magazines to 10 or fewer rounds. Sen. Dan Kotowski, the bill's sponsor, says he wants to concentrate on the high-capacity magazines because they make assault weapons more lethal.

Democrats are pushing the gun restrictions in the wake of the school massacre in Connecticut last month.

While National Rifle Association lobbyist Todd Vandermyde says the bills treat law-abiding gun owners like criminals, Kotowski contends those gun owners have nothing to worry about.

The bills now go to the full Senate.