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House Committee Hears Gun Testimony

The House Judiciary Committee has begun a series of hearings this week on the issue of Concealed Carry and other gun legislation.

Those who want more guns and less regulation believe the decisions are already tilted in their favor, as a federal court has tossed out Illinois’ ban on “concealed carry.”

“It’s either a right, or it’s not,” says National Rifle Association lobbyist Todd Vandermyde. “The courts have clearly said it’s a right.”

One point of debate is how much latitude the state should give local law enforcers; that is, “may carry” versus “shall carry.”

“Many local law enforcers … know their citizens personally,” says Mary Kay Mace, adding those officers can easily differentiate who is a threat and who isn’t. Mace testified on behalf of the Illinois Council against Handgun Violence. Mace, who argued in favor of “may carry,” is the mother of one of the 2008 Northern Illinois University massacre victims.

State Representative Brandon Phelps attended today's (Tues) hearing in Springfield. The Harrisburg democrat says the conceal carry bill he introduced this year meets the court's requirement of being reasonable.
 
Tuesday's hearing is one of two scheduled for the committee this week; the second one is Friday in Chicago. While the attorney general’s office has not given up in its appeals, the federal ruling essentially orders the legislature to get something done this spring.

Phelps says he also plans to attend Friday's hearing in Chicago. He is also considering holding his own hearings in other parts of the state.
 

Jennifer Fuller joined Capitol News Illinois in July 2023 as the organization’s broadcast director. She will oversee the launch and operations of CNI’s new broadcast division.

Contact Jennifer Fuller at jfuller@capitolnewsillinois.com
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