Politics & Government
Illinois Concealed-Carry Bill Amended by Gov. Quinn
Lawmakers to return to Springfield July 8 to take up stricter provisions added by governor.
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is cutting it close when it comes to the state’s July 9 deadline to have a concealed-carry law on the books.
Quinn Tuesday sent back with an amendatory veto the legislature’s concealed-carry bill with tighter gun-control measures. Among other provisions, Quinn’s rewrite includes language that would ban weapons from places that serve alcohol. Quinn's provisions also only allow gun-owners to carry one concealed weapon with only 10 bullets, according to report in the Chicago Tribune.
“My foremost duty as Governor is to keep the people of Illinois safe,” Quinn said in a statement released on his website. “This is a flawed bill with serious safety problems that must be addressed. There are too many provisions in this bill that are inspired by the National Rifle Association, not the common good. Public safety should never be compromised or negotiated away, and I urge members to uphold the common sense changes I propose today."
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The U.S. Court of Appeals struck down Illinois’ concealed-ban in December, and the state legislature went to work to craft House Bill 183.
“Let me be clear, I do not agree with this ruling,” Governor Quinn added. “However, I am duty-bound to address the mandates of the Court of Appeals, unless the United States Supreme Court rules otherwise.”
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Lawmakers will return to Springfield July 8 to take up the measure, but House Speaker Michael Madigan has said Quinn’s amendatory veto provisions likely will be overridden, according to the Tribune.
State Rep. Kay Hatcher (R-Yorkville) said Tuesday afternoon a veto override is likely.
“House Bill 183 passed by the General Assembly was a good, responsible compromise that was carefully crafted to protect both law abiding gun owners’ Constitutional rights and the safety of our communities. It’s unfortunate that the Governor has chosen to dismantle key provisions and leave us with a plan that will once again leave the state infringing on 2nd Amendment rights and will create a hodge-podge of differing firearm rules and regulations from community to community,” Hatcher said. “I fully expect the House and Senate to vote on motions to override the Governor’s changes.”
The following is a list of other amendments Quinn is proposing taken from his website.
- Alcohol: HB 183 allows people to carry guns into establishments serving alcohol, including most family restaurants and other places where large amounts of alcohol are consumed. Mixing alcohol with guns is irresponsible and dangerous. Illinois must keep guns out of any establishment where alcohol is consumed.
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