Gov. Pat Quinn may get his wish, at least as it concerns citizens carrying loaded, concealed weapons.
The Illinois House on Thursday rejected the concealed carry proposal, HB148. With 65 votes, it fell short of the 71 needed to pass. Thirty-two legislators voted against it.
Still, the bill's sponsor, Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg), kept the bill alive through a parliamentary maneuver.
Earlier this week, Quinn said he'd already made up his mind on the bill and vowed to veto it if it made it to his desk.
"The concept of concealed, loaded hand guns in the possession of private citizens does not enhance public safety," Quinn said Tuesday. "On the contrary, it increases danger for everyday people as they go about their lives."
Mayor Richard Daley said the bill is wrong for Illinois and thinks it would lead to loaded weapons being carried on buses, trains and near schools.
"The concealed carry bill was defeated because it was the right thing to do to protect our residents and first responders. Allowing concealed handguns in Illinois can turn the simplest everyday activities into dangerous situations," Daley said in a statement.
Supporters of the bill say concealed carry puts citizens on level ground with criminals who already carry guns, despite laws against it. Illinois is one of two states that don't allow legal gun owners carry concealed weapons. Wisconsin is the other.
Also: Why Concealed Carry Could Lead to Political Civil War
