CHICAGO (AP) - Gov. Pat Quinn has proposed a statewide ban on assault weapons.

The Democrat used his amendatory veto power today to include the ban in a bill related to ammunition sales. It's now up to lawmakers to accept his changes or reject them.

In a letter to members of the General Assembly, Quinn says the ban will make Illinois a safer place to live.

The proposal also calls for a ban on high-capacity ammunition magazines. It was first reported by The Associated Press.

Quinn's proposal faces hurdles in Illinois, even after the massacre at a Colorado movie theater renewed national debate about assault weapons.

The bill's original sponsor is Republican state Sen. David Luechtefeld. He accuses Quinn of playing politics.

His bill would have allowed Illinois residents to have ammunition purchased in-state shipped to them.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Earlier story:

CHICAGO (AP) - Gov. Pat Quinn plans to propose a ban on assault weapons in Illinois.
   
The Democrat will use his amendatory veto power Tuesday to include the ban in a bill related to ammunition sales. It would then be up to lawmakers to accept his changes or reject them.
   
The Associated Press obtained a copy of Quinn's plans.
   
His proposal will face big hurdles in Illinois, even after the massacre at a Colorado movie theater renewed national debate about assault weapons.
   
Cook County's ban has undergone legal challenges. The Illinois Supreme Court this year reversed lower-court rulings that found the ban constitutional, sending it to trial court.
   
Other gun-control measures have also failed in the General Assembly.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)