Illinois is moving forward to meet a deadline to pass a law allowing people to carry guns in public. IPR’s Brian Mackey has more.
Illinois is the last state without any form of concealed-carry, and a federal court says that has to change. It gave lawmakers until early June to do so.
Gun-rights enthusiasts filled a hearing room in Springfield as a House committee heard from activists on both sides of the issue.
Todd Vandermyde, a lobbyist with the National Rifle Association, made several demands for the concealed-carry law. He says it has to be in effect statewide, so cities and counties won't be able to set stricter policies. He also says there shouldn't be too many training requirements.
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But gun-control activists called for limits. Tom Vanden Berk's son was killed at age 15. He says it shouldn't be too easy to reach for a gun.
"Frankly, I get a little crazy driving down the Edens sometimes, OK? You don't want easy access to people who have road rage."
Attorney General Lisa Madigan is appealing the federal court ruling. If the court takes her case, it could delay the June deadline.