Concealed-Carry Becomes Law: Will You Be Applying for a License?

By Darren McRoy, Patch Community Editor

Illinois officially legalized private carrying of concealed guns on Tuesday as both houses of the legislature voted convincingly to override Gov. Pat Quinn's veto: the House by 77-31, and the Senate by 41-17.

The new legislation requires a background check and 16 hours of firearms training to purchase a $150 five-year concealed-carry license; as a "shall-issue" law, Illinois State Police must grant the license to anyone with those credentials, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Although concealed-carry is the law of the Land of Lincoln, the state police have six months to prepare a licensing program and 60 days to license instructors and training courses, the report added.

Illinois faced a Tuesday deadline to adopt a concealed-carry provision after a federal appeals court ruled in December 2012 that the state's ban on concealed-carry was unconstitutional.

A law was approved on June 1 by the state Senate, but Gov. Quinn refused to sign it July 2 without several amendments, including limiting carriers to a single firearm with a limited magazine and banning guns from any establishment serving alcohol.

READ: Check Out the Full Tribune Story for More Details

The override vote returns the law to its original form passed in June, which has fewer restrictions, but does include several prohibitions against carrying in certain places like bars, schools and government buildings.

Senators did approve three of Quinn's smaller changes in a separate bill, such as mandating carriers to declare to police that they are possessing a concealed weapon, the Chicago Tribune said. (As of this writing, the House had not yet voted on that bill.)

HOW THEY VOTED: Legislators' votes can be found here: HOUSE / SENATE

After the veto override, Patch asked readers on Facebook what they thought about concealed-carry being enacted into law. Here are some of those comments verbatim:

Elizabeth Rayner: "Maybe the criminals will shoot less if they know the good guys are carrying guns too. The only people carrying guns right now are the law breakers. Might as well arm the law abiders! … It's a constitutionally protected right, whether you like it or not!"

Robert Gaspari Prime: "I suspect we will have to review "good judgment". Also, I hope concealed carry does not include persons under the influence...."

Ed Pajeau: "I don't care if anyone carries a gun. Just be prepared for what happens if you use it. Look at the Trayvon case. Zim is a cop wannabe and his life is ruined if found guilty or not."

Heather Sarna: "Not Happy about this tbh. It's really a sad day for Illinois. … I don't care if every other state has it, we have enough crap going on with gun violence and making it OK to carry a gun on you IS NOT going to help solve the problem"

Sean McCoy: "It's understandable to think that more guns can only lead to more violence. However please understand that the vast majority of individuals that will legally carry a gun are responsible law abiding citizens. Legal gun owners respect their firearm and the responsibilities that come with it. You do not have to be fearful of those individuals."

YOUR TURN: Will you be applying for a concealed-carry license once their available? If so, why? Or are you a gun owner who supports the measure but won't be taking advantage of it yourself? Share your thoughts in the comments section.