SPRINGFIELD | There is support from both sides of Illinois’ gun control debate for the latest get-tough-on-guns law.

Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation Thursday in Chicago that gives judges no choice but to sentence gang members arrested for a gun or ammunition offense to prison time. Gun control supporters and opponents are praising the new law, and they say the plan should be the "blueprint" for future gun laws in Springfield.

Gun issues traditionally split the General Assembly along regional lines, with Chicago and the suburbs pitted against downstate. There is a Democrat and Republican division, but the battle over guns is based on Illinois’ geographic map, not the political map.

State Rep. Dennis Reboletti, R-Addison, said the new law, which was written after the death of a Chicago Police officer, accomplishes a goal without punishing law-abiding gun owners.

He says the Legislature needs to follow a similar plan for future gun laws. Reboletti says lawmakers need to get away from battles over ideology, and only push for results.

Every year, several lawmakers introduce legislation that deals with gun control. Each year only a few of those proposals receive a vote. Fewer still become law.

State Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, said the new anti-gang gun law is a good balance. She has always felt there is "room" for compromise between people on both sides of the gun control debate in Springfield.

Steans said she is happy with the new law because it focuses on the gang problem and problems of youth violence in Chicago.

Under the new law, a judge will not be allowed to offer probation to a known gang member arrested with a gun or ammunition.

The  law was drafted by Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez. It is named in honor of Chicago police Officer Alejandro "Alex" Valadez.