Springfield, Illinois —Legislation sponsored by State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) was signed into law by Governor Quinn increasing the criminal charges for the offense of unlawful use of a weapon by a convicted felon.

"The Chicago area has experienced a dramatic increase in its number of shooting deaths over the past several months," said Senator Munoz. "This law will provide increased penalties for those who choose to unlawfully use weapons on our streets and in our neighborhoods."