A measure that would allow Illinois residents to carry concealed firearms is heading to the House floor after lawmakers approved it in committee Thursday. The legislation prohibits concealed-carry in many public places, like public transit, sports arenas, schools, and street festivals. Some of these have been sticking points for gun-rights advocates, who would prefer universal carry.
The legislation would also eliminate local gun laws. Democratic Representative Brandon Phelps of Harrisburg says one statewide law would make it easier on gun owners.
“If Representative Bost and I are going to go to Wisconsin goose hunting, we’re traveling in our car, we’re not going to know from one town to another what’s expected of them. And they get pulled over or get a flat tire, and they find out their gun is transported illegally; they go to jail. We just don’t think that’s right.”
But the elimination of local rules would also strike down bans on assault weapons, like the one in Cook County.
Concealed carry applicants would pay 150-dollars for a permit. Applicants who are denied permits because local law enforcement says they're dangerous would be able to appeal to a seven-member review board.