Gov. Quinn Braces For Fight Over Concealed Carry Gun Bill

By Samantha Abernethy in News on Jul 8, 2013 10:30PM

Gov. Pat Quinn discusses Chicago's violence epidemic at United Missionary Baptist Church. Via: Gov. Quinn's Facebook

Gov. Pat Quinn says he is ready for a "showdown" to defend the changes he made to the proposed bill legalizing concealed carry that is due for a vote Tuesday. Lawmakers, including the bill's chief sponsor, show little support for Quinn's changes, added last week.

The concealed carry legislation is at the top of the agenda on Tuesday when lawmakers convene in Springfield. According to the State Journal-Register, both the House and Senate will take up the bill as the state is "cutting it close to deal with a federal appeals court ruling that the statewide ban on concealed carry cannot continue past July 9." It is unclear what will happen if there is still no law on Tuesday.

Last week, Quinn used an amendatory veto to make significant changes to what he called "a flawed bill with serious safety problems that must be addressed." Quinn's additions: limit permit holder to carrying only one weapon and one ammunition magazine with no more than 10 rounds, require weapons be "completely" concealed, ban concealed weapons from facilities serving alcohol, prohibit concealed weapons in the workplace, eliminate ability of permit holder to remove weapons in a parking lot.

Quinn has been in Chicago over the long weekend discussing violence issues. Quinn held a press conference in Wrigleyville last week to drum up support for the provision banning guns from bars, saying "Guns and alcohol are a toxic mix." On Saturday, Quinn participated in an anti-violence demonstration in Woodlawn with the Rev. Corey Brooks and his church. On Sunday, the Governor spoke at the United Missionary Baptist Church, as pictured above. Quinn spoke to press Monday as he signed two anti-gang initiatives: One requiring schools to report illegal gang activity and one protecting gang crime witness.