They are very optimistic at this time that the bill can pass the House and things appear to be shaping up in the Senate as well. If the bill get this through both houses in May, the right to carry lobby will be ready to go for the override of the governor’s promised veto in the fall veto session.
One of the core urban centers of anti-gun thought and culture is under siege by those who believe the Bill of Rights means something, regardless of whether you live in Chicago or Cheyenne. Eventually, the gates will fall. Bloomberg is next.
Note that the bill permits local sheriffs the discretionary ability to deny a carry permit. In other words, this bill, if it passes, does not move Illinois into the “shall issue” category.
Better than nothing, I suppose.
I guess that means if you live in Cook Co. you are still shafted. At least some folks down state will get a concealed carry permit. IF it passes.
Maybe I missed it, but where in the bill does it say that? When I read it just now, it seemed to be a shall issue bill.
Mooting the 7th circuit carry cases would be very bad juju and might cost an entire year into 2014 to get a SCOTUS carry decision.
-Gene
There are other concealed carry challenges under way besides Illinois. I’m helping to prepare an amicus brief in one of those cases where the idiots admitted that their may issue policy was about “rationing” of permits. By comparison, Illinois’ complete ban is almost defensible.
Sounds like Maryland. Here’s hoping that Judge Legg will lift the stay on his ruling during the State’s appeal.
Recall that, at worst, we need a circuit split. Winning Woolard and losing CA-7 gives us that…. Winning Woolard and not getting a bite at CA-7…
-Gene
Ymal is correct, but it’s good to remember that in HB148, there’s also an appeal process. The Sheriff can object to an applicant, but only in writing with “substantial” reasons documented. If the permit is denied, the applicant has time to appeal. If the sheriff wins the appeal, the decision stands, but if he doesn’t respond timely or if the applicant wins the appeal, then not only is the permit issued but the costs of the entire process are paid by the sheriff.
So, yes, sheriffs could theoretically play the kinds of games we’ve seen them play in California, New York, etc., but only if they’re willing to pay the price.
In return for that, we have the Illinois Sheriffs Association testifying strongly in favor of right to carry in Illinois, along with the Illinois Chiefs of Police and the Chicago Sergeants’ Association and the Chicago Lieutenants’ Association (hope I got those last two names correct.)
Being a resident of St. Louis (On the Missouri side), this bill is very exciting. I live very close to the border and on several occasions have gotten lost while navigating the downtown area. Sometimes I miss a highway exit and end up in Illinois. Seeing as how I am never without my (legal) concealed handgun, this is very troubling.
Once moment I am casually driving through my city, the next I am a potential felon. What happens when I miss my exit, end up in Illinois, and get pulled over? My personal freedom is at stake here.
I don’t see how it is fair or constitutional to be going about my daily business, honest & law abiding, miss ONE turn, and risk being charged on FELONY weapon charges.
Ditto on what Mr. Gwinn wrote.