Concealed Weapons Legislation Passes Committee

By Chuck Sudo in News on Mar 9, 2011 8:50PM

This is why the Illinois House Agriculture Committee should not be reviewing legislation other than legislation related to agriculture. A measure that would allow gun owners to carry their weapons with them so long as they're concealed passed the Agriculture Committee by a 12-2 vote. Which means that the legislation could see a vote on the House floor.

Todd Vandermyde, state lobbyist for the National Rifle Association, said it could happen. I'm convinced you will see a floor vote on this bill," Vandermyde said. The Supreme Court's decision to strike down Chicago's handgun ban may be adding fuel to this. Under the legislation, gun owners can carry concealed weapons, so long as they undergo firearms training and background checks, and calls for gun-free zones in government buildings, courthouses, sports stadiums and arenas, and schools.

Naturally, local politicians are wary, saying that a concealed weapons ban would only make the gun violence in Chicago worse. But downstate Democratic state Rep. Brandon Phelps, who's sponsoring the legislation, said Illinois needs to get with the other 48 states with concealed weapons laws already on the books.