CHICAGO – Illinois could ban assault weapons under a plan proposed Tuesday by Gov. Pat Quinn, but any gun control regulation would have to clear major hurdles even with a renewed nationwide debate.

The Chicago Democrat used his amendatory veto power to gut a bill related to ammunition sales and add language prohibiting the manufacture, delivery, sale and possession of semiautomatic assault weapons and attachments. Illinois lawmakers could accept or override the changes, or not call a vote at all.

The proposal – which specifically bans the AK-47, AR-15 and TEC-9 – was first reported by The Associated Press.