Secret Weapon: Pending Illinois Legilation C ould Legalize Concealed Firearms

[Bud]

From the Daily Pantagraph:

 

 

Secret weapon: Pending Illinois legislation could legalize concealed firearms

 

By Kevin Barlow | kbarlow@pantagraph.com |

 

 

 

 

 

Illinois and Wisconsin are the only states that do not allow conceal and carry of weapons. That could change if the political will changes. (Pantagraph photo illustration/David Proeber)

 

BLOOMINGTON — McLean County Sheriff Mike Emery has plenty to do.

 

"As sheriff, if you find yourself with a couple of minutes to sit down and return phone calls, that's a slow day," said Emery. "Most of the time, I am returning phone calls on my way to my next appointment."

 

But as a supporter of pending legislation that would give Illinois residents the right to carry concealed weapons, Emery would not complain if some of the workload, as a byproduct of new laws, falls on his department.

 

Carry and conceal, or CCW, refers to the practice of carrying a handgun or other weapon in public in a concealed manner, either on one's person or in close proximity.

 

"There are 48 states that currently have carry and conceal laws in place," Emery said. "At this point, we can pick and choose what works best for the state of Illinois. You must have strict training certifications and adequate background checks. But at some point, the county sheriff departments would have to have some percentage of control to ensure it works for the benefit of everyone."

 

Wisconsin is the only other state without a carry and conceal law on the books.

 

Earlier this month, an Illinois House committee pushed through three pieces of gun legislation, sending them to the full House for consideration. If approved, the package of laws would allow gun owners to have a proper, portable gun carrying case in which to transport their weapon. Opponents such as State Rep. Ed Sullivan, R-Mundelein, said the legislation is too vague.

 

"Judges all over the state would each make their own ruling on what is considered a proper, portable gun carrying case," he said.

 

"One of the problems we have always had with proposed carry and conceal legislation is making it specific enough so there is no confusion about interpretation of the law," said Jared Shoffner, a Dewitt County deputy who is running unopposed in the November election for DeWitt County sheriff. "I would support carry and concealed legislation, but part of the problem is how it is written and interpreted. We want to make sure that any legislation is the right step for law-abiding citizens and doesn't allow criminals easier access."

 

The bill's sponsor, State Rep. Harry Osterman, D-Chicago, said that won't happen — that measure would still prevent people with criminal records from owning firearms.

 

The Illinois Sheriff's Association has endorsed carry and concealed legislation, even though specifics have yet to be ironed out.

 

"One of the main sticking points about the legislation is how it affects Cook County," Emery said. "My thinking is that if that's the case, then let's write different legislation for Cook County. It seems to me, it's that simple."

 

Adding to the debate is a case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court on a challenge to Chicago's existing ban on handguns. The court is expected to rule by late June.

 

Annual consideration

 

Carry and concealed weapons legislation is annually submitted and considered in Springfield. The current proposal is called the Family and Personal Protection Act and would allow the state to issue permits to carry concealed firearms after approval from a thorough application process. While the issue of CCW has been gaining more media attention, the bill isn't expected to be considered in Illinois until at least November — if then.

 

Under the legislation, extensive background checks and mental evaluations would be required of every applicant seeking permit. There would be registration fees and gun owners would be required to attend training courses.

 

Ron Darnell, owner of Darnell Gun Works & Ranges just west of Bloomington, teaches such courses and said his clients are always asking about potential changes to the law.

 

"I wouldn't know why anyone wouldn't want a law to allow responsible citizens the right to carry a weapon," Darnell said. "Statistics indicate the crime rate drops in states that enact carry and conceal laws. Who wants to start trouble with someone who might be carrying a weapon?"

 

Opponents argue the opposite and contend that even with safeguards in place, there simply is no reason for allowing more guns in public. Under the proposed legislation, guns would not be allowed in churches, schools, airports, stadiums and events where large crowds gather.

 

"The vast majority of Illinois residents feel that guns are OK to own and keep in your home, but not in public areas," said Tom Mannard, executive director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence. "People won't feel comfortable walking around in the business districts of Bloomington and Normal or near the ISU and Wesleyan campuses and on the same sidewalks as people with loaded guns."

 

Mannard also argues any legislation that allows weapons in public places would not have a positive impact on safety.

 

"Bloomington-Normal has one of the fastest-growing populations in the state," he said. "Do you really want to see more guns in that kind of environment?"

 

One of these days

 

Two years ago, the McLean County Board, along with dozens of others across the state, passed a resolution favoring protection of gun ownership rights under the Second Amendment. Normal resident Walter Biesiada helped organize the effort to get the resolution approved.

 

"Illinois and Wisconsin are the only two states where you can't carry a gun," Biesiada said. "Every other state that has approved legislation on this has continued to move forward and allow more freedom. None of them have moved backwards and restricted the rights after passage. That tells you that the proper legislation works."

 

Darnell feels the time is approaching where Illinois citizens will be allowed to carry guns — after the proper background checks and training procedures are in place.

 

"One of these days we will get it," he said. "The politicians in Chicago control a lot of votes and they don't want it up there. But I think there will come a day when the citizens downstate get their way."

 

Carry and conceal

House Bill 5221 calls for the creation of the Family and Personal Protection Act. It would:

 

* Allow State Police to issue permits to carry concealed firearms to persons at least 21 years of age who meet certain requirements;

 

* Authorize the county sheriff to evaluate the application and accompanying material, and within 30 calendar days transmit the application, accompanying material, and any objections to the application, and application fees to State Police.

 

* Require an applicant to have completed specified training requirements developed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board consisting of classroom instruction and live firing exercises

[GarandFan]

http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/article_49e12d6a-606a-11df-8dd7-001cc4c002e0.html

 

Secret weapon: Pending Illinois legislation could legalize concealed firearms

 

By Kevin Barlow | kbarlow@pantagraph.com

Posted: Sunday, May 16, 2010 7:00 am

 

BLOOMINGTON — McLean County Sheriff Mike Emery has plenty to do.

 

“As sheriff, if you find yourself with a couple of minutes to sit down and return phone calls, that’s a slow day,” said Emery. “Most of the time, I am returning phone calls on my way to my next appointment.”

 

But as a supporter of pending legislation that would give Illinois residents the right to carry concealed weapons, Emery would not complain if some of the workload, as a byproduct of new laws, falls on his department.

 

Carry and conceal, or CCW, refers to the practice of carrying a handgun or other weapon in public in a concealed manner, either on one’s person or in close proximity.

 

“There are 48 states that currently have carry and conceal laws in place,” Emery said. “At this point, we can pick and choose what works best for the state of Illinois. You must have strict training certifications and adequate background checks. But at some point, the county sheriff departments would have to have some percentage of control to ensure it works for the benefit of everyone.”

 

Wisconsin is the only other state without a carry and conceal law on the books.

 

Earlier this month, an Illinois House committee pushed through three pieces of gun legislation, sending them to the full House for consideration. If approved, the package of laws would allow gun owners to have a proper, portable gun carrying case in which to transport their weapon. Opponents such as State Rep. Ed Sullivan, R-Mundelein, said the legislation is too vague.

 

“Judges all over the state would each make their own ruling on what is considered a proper, portable gun carrying case,” he said.

 

“One of the problems we have always had with proposed carry and conceal legislation is making it specific enough so there is no confusion about interpretation of the law,” said Jared Shoffner, a Dewitt County deputy who is running unopposed in the November election for DeWitt County sheriff. “I would support carry and concealed legislation, but part of the problem is how it is written and interpreted. We want to make sure that any legislation is the right step for law-abiding citizens and doesn’t allow criminals easier access.”

 

The bill’s sponsor, State Rep. Harry Osterman, D-Chicago, said that won’t happen — that measure would still prevent people with criminal records from owning firearms.

 

The Illinois Sheriff’s Association has endorsed carry and concealed legislation, even though specifics have yet to be ironed out.

 

“One of the main sticking points about the legislation is how it affects Cook County,” Emery said. “My thinking is that if that’s the case, then let’s write different legislation for Cook County. It seems to me, it’s that simple.”

 

Adding to the debate is a case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court on a challenge to Chicago’s existing ban on handguns. The court is expected to rule by late June.

 

Annual consideration

 

Carry and concealed weapons legislation is annually submitted and considered in Springfield. The current proposal is called the Family and Personal Protection Act and would allow the state to issue permits to carry concealed firearms after approval from a thorough application process. While the issue of CCW has been gaining more media attention, the bill isn’t expected to be considered in Illinois until at least November — if then.

 

Under the legislation, extensive background checks and mental evaluations would be required of every applicant seeking permit. There would be registration fees and gun owners would be required to attend training courses.

 

Ron Darnell, owner of Darnell Gun Works & Ranges just west of Bloomington, teaches such courses and said his clients are always asking about potential changes to the law.

 

“I wouldn’t know why anyone wouldn’t want a law to allow responsible citizens the right to carry a weapon,” Darnell said. “Statistics indicate the crime rate drops in states that enact carry and conceal laws. Who wants to start trouble with someone who might be carrying a weapon?”

 

Opponents argue the opposite and contend that even with safeguards in place, there simply is no reason for allowing more guns in public. Under the proposed legislation, guns would not be allowed in churches, schools, airports, stadiums and events where large crowds gather.

 

“The vast majority of Illinois residents feel that guns are OK to own and keep in your home, but not in public areas,” said Tom Mannard, executive director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence. “People won’t feel comfortable walking around in the business districts of Bloomington and Normal or near the ISU and Wesleyan campuses and on the same sidewalks as people with loaded guns.”

 

Mannard also argues any legislation that allows weapons in public places would not have a positive impact on safety.

 

“Bloomington-Normal has one of the fastest-growing populations in the state,” he said. “Do you really want to see more guns in that kind of environment?”

 

One of these days

 

Two years ago, the McLean County Board, along with dozens of others across the state, passed a resolution favoring protection of gun ownership rights under the Second Amendment. Normal resident Walter Biesiada helped organize the effort to get the resolution approved.

 

“Illinois and Wisconsin are the only two states where you can’t carry a gun,” Biesiada said. “Every other state that has approved legislation on this has continued to move forward and allow more freedom. None of them have moved backwards and restricted the rights after passage. That tells you that the proper legislation works.”

 

Darnell feels the time is approaching where Illinois citizens will be allowed to carry guns — after the proper background checks and training procedures are in place.

 

“One of these days we will get it,” he said. “The politicians in Chicago control a lot of votes and they don’t want it up there. But I think there will come a day when the citizens downstate get their way.”

Carry and conceal

 

House Bill 5221 calls for the creation of the Family and Personal Protection Act. It would:

 

* Allow State Police to issue permits to carry concealed firearms to persons at least 21 years of age who meet certain requirements;

 

* Authorize the county sheriff to evaluate the application and accompanying material, and within 30 calendar days transmit the application, accompanying material, and any objections to the application, and application fees to State Police.

 

* Require an applicant to have completed specified training requirements developed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board consisting of classroom instruction and live firing exercises.

[abolt243]

http://www.pantagrap...1cc4c002e0.html

 

Secret weapon: Pending Illinois legislation could legalize concealed firearms

 

By Kevin Barlow | kbarlow@pantagraph.com

Posted: Sunday, May 16, 2010 7:00 am

 

BLOOMINGTON — McLean County Sheriff Mike Emery has plenty to do.

 

"As sheriff, if you find yourself with a couple of minutes to sit down and return phone calls, that's a slow day," said Emery. "Most of the time, I am returning phone calls on my way to my next appointment."

 

But as a supporter of pending legislation that would give Illinois residents the right to carry concealed weapons, Emery would not complain if some of the workload, as a byproduct of new laws, falls on his department.

 

Carry and conceal, or CCW, refers to the practice of carrying a handgun or other weapon in public in a concealed manner, either on one's person or in close proximity.

 

"There are 48 states that currently have carry and conceal laws in place," Emery said. "At this point, we can pick and choose what works best for the state of Illinois. You must have strict training certifications and adequate background checks. But at some point, the county sheriff departments would have to have some percentage of control to ensure it works for the benefit of everyone."

 

Wisconsin is the only other state without a carry and conceal law on the books.

 

Earlier this month, an Illinois House committee pushed through three pieces of gun legislation, sending them to the full House for consideration. If approved, the package of laws would allow gun owners to have a proper, portable gun carrying case in which to transport their weapon. Opponents such as State Rep. Ed Sullivan, R-Mundelein, said the legislation is too vague.

 

"Judges all over the state would each make their own ruling on what is considered a proper, portable gun carrying case," he said.

 

"One of the problems we have always had with proposed carry and conceal legislation is making it specific enough so there is no confusion about interpretation of the law," said Jared Shoffner, a Dewitt County deputy who is running unopposed in the November election for DeWitt County sheriff. "I would support carry and concealed legislation, but part of the problem is how it is written and interpreted. We want to make sure that any legislation is the right step for law-abiding citizens and doesn't allow criminals easier access."

 

The bill's sponsor, State Rep. Harry Osterman, D-Chicago, said that won't happen — that measure would still prevent people with criminal records from owning firearms.

 

I'll bet that Harry is surprised to hear that he sponsored CCW legislation!!

The Illinois Sheriff's Association has endorsed carry and concealed legislation, even though specifics have yet to be ironed out.

 

"One of the main sticking points about the legislation is how it affects Cook County," Emery said. "My thinking is that if that's the case, then let's write different legislation for Cook County. It seems to me, it's that simple."

 

So, citizens of Cook County have different rights than people of other counties do??

 

Adding to the debate is a case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court on a challenge to Chicago's existing ban on handguns. The court is expected to rule by late June.

 

Annual consideration

 

Carry and concealed weapons legislation is annually submitted and considered in Springfield. The current proposal is called the Family and Personal Protection Act and would allow the state to issue permits to carry concealed firearms after approval from a thorough application process. While the issue of CCW has been gaining more media attention, the bill isn't expected to be considered in Illinois until at least November — if then.

 

Under the legislation, extensive background checks and mental evaluations would be required of every applicant seeking permit. There would be registration fees and gun owners would be required to attend training courses.

 

Ron Darnell, owner of Darnell Gun Works & Ranges just west of Bloomington, teaches such courses and said his clients are always asking about potential changes to the law.

 

"I wouldn't know why anyone wouldn't want a law to allow responsible citizens the right to carry a weapon," Darnell said. "Statistics indicate the crime rate drops in states that enact carry and conceal laws. Who wants to start trouble with someone who might be carrying a weapon?"

 

Opponents argue the opposite and contend that even with safeguards in place, there simply is no reason for allowing more guns in public. Under the proposed legislation, guns would not be allowed in churches, schools, airports, stadiums and events where large crowds gather.

 

"The vast majority of Illinois residents feel that guns are OK to own and keep in your home, but not in public areas," said Tom Mannard, executive director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence. "People won't feel comfortable walking around in the business districts of Bloomington and Normal or near the ISU and Wesleyan campuses and on the same sidewalks as people with loaded guns."

 

Oh really Tom?? Just like they don't feel comfortable in Louisville, KY or Indianapolis or St Louis?? Same song and dance that you've spouted in the last 48 states. What makes you think it'll work here??

Mannard also argues any legislation that allows weapons in public places would not have a positive impact on safety.

 

"Bloomington-Normal has one of the fastest-growing populations in the state," he said. "Do you really want to see more guns in that kind of environment?"

 

One of these days

 

Two years ago, the McLean County Board, along with dozens of others across the state, passed a resolution favoring protection of gun ownership rights under the Second Amendment. Normal resident Walter Biesiada helped organize the effort to get the resolution approved.

 

"Illinois and Wisconsin are the only two states where you can't carry a gun," Biesiada said. "Every other state that has approved legislation on this has continued to move forward and allow more freedom. None of them have moved backwards and restricted the rights after passage. That tells you that the proper legislation works."

 

Darnell feels the time is approaching where Illinois citizens will be allowed to carry guns — after the proper background checks and training procedures are in place.

 

"One of these days we will get it," he said. "The politicians in Chicago control a lot of votes and they don't want it up there. But I think there will come a day when the citizens downstate get their way."

Carry and conceal

 

House Bill 5221 calls for the creation of the Family and Personal Protection Act. It would:

 

* Allow State Police to issue permits to carry concealed firearms to persons at least 21 years of age who meet certain requirements;

 

* Authorize the county sheriff to evaluate the application and accompanying material, and within 30 calendar days transmit the application, accompanying material, and any objections to the application, and application fees to State Police.

 

* Require an applicant to have completed specified training requirements developed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board consisting of classroom instruction and live firing exercises.

 

 

I've put a couple of comments in red in the body of the article. We need to get ready to read more of these articles that are written by people that have no idea of what they're talking about and don't do the research on the subject. I guess it's better than it could be though.

 

AB

[PPK]

double post

 

[3ddiver]

"People won't feel comfortable walking around in the business districts of Bloomington and Normal or near the ISU and Wesleyan campuses and on the same sidewalks as people with loaded guns."

 

Have these people ever been outside of Illinois? I guarantee if they have they have been around people with guns. I am quite sure they have been around people in Illinois with guns also.

[TyGuy]

Agreed. I mention that to people when I discuss CCW with them. If you have ever been outside of IL or WI then you have been around people carrying concealed. You've probably also been around people carrying concealed in IL and didn't know it.

[Federal Farmer]

Maybe this should be merged with the other thread and the combined placed in this forum. Or just left where it is.

[junglebob]

Maybe we should send letters to Harry Osterman saying we read an article in the Bloomington Pantagraph saying he has sponsored RTC legislation and thank him for his support.

[GarandFan]

Maybe we should send letters to Harry Osterman saying we read an article in the Bloomington Pantagraph saying he has sponsored RTC legislation and thank him for his support.

 

:-) That would be great!

[Drylok]

I don't understand what they think is the "secret weapon". There's carry legislation in the house and senate. BDD, there has been for years and it's public knowledge.

 

"The politicians in Chicago control a lot of votes and they don't want it up there. But I think there will come a day when the citizens downstate get their way."

 

No we already tried that and got denied by our own. We're passed that now and the entire state will be affected by the carry law that will pass next spring. Sorry Chicago, you are going to have to allow your citizens to exercise their rights as well.

[Ol'Coach]

Opponents argue the opposite and contend that even with safeguards in place, (1)there simply is no reason for allowing more guns in public. Under the proposed legislation, guns would not be allowed in churches, schools, airports, stadiums and events where large crowds gather.

 

"The vast majority of Illinois residents feel that guns are OK to own and keep in your home, but not in public areas," said Tom Mannard, executive director of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence. "People won't feel comfortable walking around in the business districts of Bloomington and Normal or near the ISU and Wesleyan campuses and (2)on the same sidewalks as people with loaded guns."

 

Mannard also argues any legislation that allows weapons in public places would not have a positive impact on safety.

 

"Bloomington-Normal has one of the fastest-growing populations in the state," he said. "Do you really want to (3)see more guns in that kind of environment?"

 

(1) No reason? None? And, are guns "in public" when they are concealed?

 

(2) So, a person should feel uncomfortable because someone MIGHT be carryin?

How is that any different from now, particularly in Chicago?

 

(3) "Concealed" Mr. Mannard, concealed; and, does "fastest-growing" mean it's more safe in "that kind of environment"?

 

Same ol' "stuff"!

[Xwing]

That was a strange article. How they could consider Osterman’s bill as “pro-cc” is beyond me.