Bi-Partisan Push for Concealed Carry in Illinois

Illinois is one of only two states that prohibits all manner of concealed carry of firearms by citizens.  But there is legislation moving through the Illinois General Assembly to change that.

House Bills 245 and 462 would allow Illinois residents to obtain a license to carry a concealed firearm outside of their home.  HB 245 would have the Illinois State Police issue the permits, while HB 462 would place the task with the county sheriff.

Both bills were approved 11-1 in committee and sent to the floor of the General Assembly.  Both bills had the support of Democrats and Republicans alike in committee.  Rep. Julie Hamos, a Democrat, was the lone voice against self-defense and personal liberty.

Illinois is notorious for its anti-gun laws, but most of that comes from the politically powerful in Chicago.  Outside of Chicago, most folks in Illinois are pretty sane.  In fact, a lot of people would like to see concealed carry be legalized.  Don’t believe me?  Steve Chapman wrote a opinion piece for the Chicago Tribune encouraging the state to legalize concealed carry.  The Illinois Sheriff’s Association is on-board too.

If you live in Illinois, please contact your representatives in the General Assembly.  Let them know that these bills are important to you, and that you will be watching how they vote.

Also, consider joining the Illinois State Rifle Association.  The ISRA is your state-wide voice on Second Amendment issues.