Bill would make carrying concealed firearm legal in IllinoisBy Karina Gonzalez
SPRINGFIELD -- An Illinois lawmaker wants to allow the state's residents to carry concealed firearms.
"We definitely believe that with concealed carry permits, the crime rate will go down in Illinois," Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Norris City, the bill's chief sponsor, said.
Opponents of the bill disagree.
"Anytime you increase availability of firearms, you see corresponding increases in death and injury," said Thom Mannard, the executive director for the Illinois Coalition Against Handgun Violence.
Mr. Mannard said most people in Illinois would not feel comfortable knowing that people on the street might possibly be carrying a loaded, concealed weapon.
"I am not convinced that allowing people to carry a concealed weapon is going to make our streets safer," Sen. Don Harmon, D-Oak Park said. It will only make the streets more dangerous, he added.
Proponents contend that people would feel safer.
"We could have a peaceful society, if Illinois gets with the program and treats its citizens like responsible people," said Bill Dailey of Moline, who serves on the board of directors for the National Rifle Association.
Crime rates are the lowest in states that allow residents to carry a concealed weapon, Mr. Dailey said. Thirty-eight states have a right-to-carry law, including Iowa which has a reasonable-issue law that allows residents to carry a weapon.
Mr. Mannard said lowered crime rates and the passage of concealed carry legislation have no correlation. Crime rates have also gone down in states that do not allow people to carry a concealed gun, he said.
Rep. Careen Gordon, D-Coal City, said the bill has appropriate provisions to ensure legitimate people are granted a permit to carry a concealed weapon. The bill requires applicants to complete a training course in handgun use, safety and marksmanship before they can have a permit, she said.
"These are people that are following the laws now and there is no reason to believe that they are going to violate them in the future," Rep. Gordon said.
Henry County Sheriff Gib Cady agrees, although he said people would need to be highly qualified to get a permit.
The bill has passed out of a House committee and now will be considered by the full House of Representatives.
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