Concealed Carry Bill Dies in Illinois House

Just about every day, a customer walks into Downrange Sports gun shop in New Lenox and talks about how they wish concealed carry legislation would pass in Illinois.

The store's incoming owner, Ray Wise, said some customers even ask him for updates on the controversial legislation, which failed to reach the number of votes needed to pass late last week.

"People feel like every time there’s an argument someone will pull a gun," Wise said. "That’s not the case. A law abiding citizen is not going to become a criminal over night. And New Lenox is a nice neighborhood so I really don’t see it changing anything, especially here."

According to The Huffington Post, the Illinois House voted against the measure Thursday, following months of heated debate. The bill received 65 "yes" votes, but needed 71, a supermajority, to pass. Supermajorities are necessary for measures that would limit the regulatory powers of local municipalities.

The plan would have allowed residents to carry guns after passing a background check and completing eight hours of training, according to Illinois Statehouse News. Licensed gun holders would be prohibited from bringing guns to certain public places, such as government buildings, airports and schools.

Earlier last week, Gov. Pat Quinn threatened to veto the bill if it were to come across his desk.

"The concept of concealed, loaded hand guns in the possession of private citizens does not enhance public safety, on the contrary it increases danger for everyday people as they go about their lives," Quinn said in the Statehouse News. "I don't think we're in the business of trying to increase danger to the people of Illinois. We want to work with our law enforcement and prevent bad things from happening. I think the passage of this law by the General Assembly would be most unwise and they should know where they governor stands and where the people stand."

New Lenox police did not return calls seeking comment on the legislation, but the state police opposed the legislation while the state sheriff's supported it. One central point in the debate was whether more people concealing weapons would be safer for those citizens or if it would become more dangerous for officers and civilians.

"Just about everybody who comes in says they would feel safer being able to protect themselves," Wise said. "Around here, I probably don’t need to carry my gun. But in Chicago? Yea, I would do that."

Rep. Renee Kosel (R-New Lenox) voted yes on the legislation and sent a message to her constituents after the bill failed.

"Supporters of the Second Amendment feel this legislation is an affirmation of civil liberty and respect for law-abiding gun owners in every part of our state," she said in an email.

Despite failing in this vote, there is a possibility the bill could be called back for another vote.