SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - A state House panel is recommending that the General Assembly give Illinois residents the right to carry concealed weapons.
The proposals are expected to garner opposition from Chicago-area lawmakers, who have expressed concern about increased gun violence.
Supporters of a concealed weapon law say the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling last summer overturning a handgun ban in Washington D.C., and an endorsement of concealed carry by the Illinois Sheriffs' Association gives a boost to their efforts.
House Bill 245, sponsored by Marion Democratic Rep. John Bradley, would allow the Illinois State Police to issue the permits. It was endorsed Wednesday on an 11-1 vote, with Democratic state Rep. Julie Hamos of Evanston the lone opponent.
House Bill 462, sponsored by state Harrisburg Rep. Brandon Phelps, would allow county sheriffs to issue permits.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKHQA