Governor Quinn Calls for Common-Sense Gun Laws That Protect Communities

CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn today joined local residents for a community walk on the south side of Chicago to discuss the importance of common-sense gun laws in Illinois, especially when it comes to concealed carry. Earlier this week Governor Quinn issued an amendatory veto of House Bill 183, legislation that would allow and regulate the carrying of concealed handguns in public places, to address several serious safety problems. The changes address several serious safety problems with the legislation and will make communities safer across the state.

“The people of Illinois deserve common-sense gun policies that keep them safe,” Governor Quinn said. “No one needs to carry more than one gun and 10 rounds of ammunition for self-protection. As we continue to fight the gun violence that plagues many communities, the common-sense changes I made last week are crucial to public safety."

The governor’s changes to House Bill 183 limit the concealed carry of guns to one per person and one ammunition magazine holding no more than 10 cartridges. The changes would also continue to allow local governments to enact assault weapons bans in their communities; keep guns out of establishments serving alcohol, including most family restaurants; and make the presumption that weapons cannot be carried onto private property or in the workplace unless permission to do so is granted. The governor’s changes establish a better law that puts public safety first.

On Dec. 11, 2012, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit struck down Illinois’ ban on the concealed carry of guns in public and established a deadline of July 9 for the General Assembly to pass concealed carry legislation. Legislators took six of the seven months allotted to pass the flawed bill, including many provisions inspired by the National Rifle Association. Governor Quinn’s amendatory veto corrects those flaws and will establish a better, safer law for the people of Illinois.

The Illinois General Assembly is scheduled to return to Springfield on July 9 to act on Governor Quinn’s amendatory veto, details of which may be viewed at www.KeepIllinoisSafe.org.

Legislators can vote to accept the veto, which requires a three-fifths majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, or they could vote to override the veto, which requires a three-fifths majority in both chambers. If both chambers do nothing, House Bill 183 will not be enacted, and the concealed carry issue will be decided by the courts.