Update on Concealed Carry bill in Illinois

Here is a synoposis of H.B. 245, the Family and Personal Protection Act:

Creates the Family and Personal Protection Act. Establishes statewide uniform standards for the issuance of permits to carry concealed firearms in this State. Vests in the Department of State Police the authority to issue concealed firearms permits to qualified applicants. Requires an applicant to complete a training course in handgun use, safety, and marksmanship. Also requires instruction in the law relating to firearm use. Creates the Citizen Safety and Self-Defense Trust Fund administered by the Department. The moneys in the Fund shall be used to administer the Act. Establishes restrictions on carrying concealed firearms. Establishes standards for the training course and for certifying instructors. Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that the Family and Personal Protection Act supersedes an ordinance of a unit of local government inconsistent with that Act. Prohibits a home rule unit from regulating the issuance of permits to carry concealed firearms. Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Exempts, from an unlawful use of weapons and aggravated unlawful use of weapons violation, persons who carry or possess firearms in accordance with the Family and Personal Protection Act. Effective immediately.

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On Jan. 20, H.B. 245 was referred to the Rules Committee, where bills often die a quick death. There it received three "Chief Co-Sponsors" plus three "Co-Sponsors" and was referred to the Agriculture and Conservation Committee. The Ag Committee has 13 members, including Rep. Julie "Taxaholic" Hamos (D.-Evanston). I'm not an expert on the Illinois House, but I would assume the bill needs seven supporters in the Ag Committee to have a shot at a floor vote.

The best way for a bill to hit the floor, go through the Senate and head to the governor for his signature is to have a top lobbyist like former Gov. Big Jim Thompson to support the bill and call some of his friends in the Statehouse. In this case, the problem would be sneaking the bill past House Speaker Mike "It's My Money" Madigan, a notorious gun ban hardliner.

I would encourage all Evanston gun ownership supporters to call Mrs. Hamos at 847-424-9898. You may ask her how she's planning on voting on the bill.