Anyone else think this may finally happen? http://www.foxnews.com/politics/201...n-illinois-ban-on-carrying-concealed-weapons/ 7th Circuit says that my right to have a firearm for self-protection is just as compelling outside my home and in public, as inside. Says the ban is unconstitutional, and gave the state legislature 180 days to pass a law providing rules and regulations. If they don't pass one, then I suppose we will have "Constitutional Carry" like some of the Western states. Given the US Supreme Court's recent holdings in Heller and McDonald, I feel pretty good about the chances that this ruling will stand, and we in Illinois will finally get the rights accorded to people in the other 49 states. God know the state doesn't have the money to keep fighting the losing battle in court.
It will eventually pass in some form, we're the last state not to recognize some fashion of citizens right to carry. Passing and being easily obtainable are two different animals though. It will have so many strings and price tags attached only the rich and criminal will be able to afford it making it about as useless as not having it. IL cannot even follow their own laws on gun owner rights and regularly makes us break the law. It is law that the state police must process your FOID application within 30 days. Last renewal I waited nearly 3 months 2 of which I was in possession of firearms without a FOID. I literally sat on hold for literally an hour and a half. Took a screen shot while on hold. They won't let you renew early, you can send in a renewal form, but it will not be processed until your current one is set to expire. Imagine how they are going to treat concealed carry.
I just read the whole opinion. As an attorney, I have read my share. I am very encouraged. The 7th Curcuit tracks the Supreme Court in Heller, and shoots down all the anti gun arguments made by the State. They did say (as did Heller) that the State may put reasonable restrictions on the right, which is why they gave them 180 days to pass a law. Brandon Phelps, the downstate drafter of the bill which almost passed last legislative term, said his new bill will not have nearly as many restrictions as the one that didn't pass. Why would it? Pro gun law makers have all the power on this issue now. I don't think the State will pass anything (they do "nothing" as well as anyone :p). Then in 6 months all laws prohibiting concealed carry (for law-abiding gun owners) will be repealed. The ruling didn't address the FOID issue, so you will still have to meet age and FOID requirements. That will leave out most gang bangers and criminals. We all know they obey the law. Quite honestly, to take this to the Supreme Court would essentially be asking the Court to overturn a ruling made only 5 years ago. The Court is very reluctant to do that absent a very compelling reason. I'm sure there will be crying and wailing from Chicago, but the issue has really been taken from the legislature's hands. They have to pass a law, or accept Constitutional Carry. Too many restrictions and they will be right back in Court again, and this ruling really defined our right to bear arms pretty broadly.
Being cynical (IL will do that to you) I wonder how hard Madigan will continue to fight this in court. If they go with the ruling... what onerous requirements will they impose. When Chicago lost the McDonald case, the begrudgingly allowed handgun ownership but they made it difficult and expensive. It can cost about $300.00, and that is good for only one functional handgun inside your home. You can't carry it out in your garage or porch and certainly not in your car unless it is disassembled. Imagine the outrage if you had to pay $300 to exercise your other rights? There is a concealed carry bill that is only six votes away from being passed with a super-majority..... wouldn't it be nice if Quinn and Madigan said go ahead and pass that bill instead of fighting the ruling or writing up their vision of concealed carry? (ha! like that would happen. )
I think they will wish they could have that bill - I am pretty sure it, along with all other unpassed bills, died at the end of the Veto Session last week. That was Rep Phelps' bill, and by his own admission, it was fairly restrictive regarding where you could carry. Any "new" bill would have to be introduced and go through the legislative process (committees, hearings, etc.). He claims his new bill won't have nearly as many restrictions. Again, what incentive does a pro-gun representative have to compromise? If the legislature does nothing, they will get unlimited, except by age and FOID requirements, concealed carry.
I really really really REALLY hope this is the straw that makes Chicago file the paperwork to secede from Illinois. Now wouldn't that be a Christmas miracle?
I thought HB 148 was still languishing in commitee but you may be right. I still very much think the ChicagoMachine will not allow for anything as free as HB148 to take effect.... and certainly not a less restrictive version. I'd be happy to be wrong.
Id certainly be happy if you were wrong I think CILhunter is right, the anti-gun camp doesnt have much leverage right now. I think this could finally be something. Now, what holster to purchase.....
What and if they decide to draw up I'm jus hoping the idiots from Chicago finally realize there's a whole other group of people that live outside of that town. It's a shame one city can mess up a entire state.
well said my friend, well said. I need to get in a class so when i turn 21 in october i wont have to wait for a class to roll around
A good idea, but I would wait on the regs to make sure you get the right class. It's Illinois. Some Chicago Alderman's brother in law may run a firearm training facility, and the regs will be written so that only a class from that guy's course will qualify you. Eventhough many of the Chicago Democrats (which are very different from Downstate Democrats) don't like concealed carry, they won't pass up the chance to make $$ off of it.
The best part of this ruling is that those whom abuse the right have few if any saying in the new gun laws. they have only 180 to agree and pass the law or the state become Mortal Combat time. I know that I'll be one of many shouldering my 12 gauge while I shop at Wal-Mart. They (Chicago's Dem's) can only ask for restrictions in this case. It will happen and I for one am filling out FL permit paper as soon as possible. Reasoning being I don't want to have to wait years for the approval process on IL permit to get approved. The heavy taxes that they will attempt to impose was ruled against as well. So Quinn can't put a heavy tobacco like tax on ammo or guns without first being voted on by the southern. HEHEHEHEHEHEHE HE!
How exactly does that work with the FL papers i read a little on it but was still kinda confused on on someone from IL can do it.
If the southern part of the state had any pull, Quinn would have lost the election. I'm hoping this goes through, but I'm taking a wait and see aproach. I've read online that the state is expecting to profit $32 million of cc licenses. Thats $100 a pop, according to the expected number of licenses sold. This isn't going to be cheap, easy or user friendly. Nothing ever is in IL.
