Quinn Changes Illinois Concealed Carry Legislation

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn said Tuesday he is changing a concealed-carry measure approved by the Legislature to cap the number of firearms and ammunition that can be carried and to ban guns from any establishment where alcohol is served.

"I think this is an example of a situation in Illinois where the Legislature passed a bill in a hurried way at the inspiration of National Rifle Association, contrary to the safety of the people of Illinois," Quinn said during a news conference in downtown Chicago.

The Democratic governor used his amendatory veto power to tweak the legislation sent to him after months of debate and negotiation over the measure.

"There are serious flaws in this bill that jeopardize public safety of the people of Illinois," Quinn said.

A federal appeals court ruled in December that it was unconstitutional for Illinois to ban the public possession of concealed firearms and gave it until July 9 to comply.

Quinn said he never agreed with the court's ruling and the bill lawmakers sent him needs "important, common sense" changes.

"The most important job of the governor protect the safety of the people," Quinn said.

Amendments to the bill include changing the definition of "concealed carry" to make sure weapons are fully concealed, requiring the appeals board to adhere to the Freedom of Information Act and the Open Meetings Act and limit permit holders to one gun and one magazine clip.

The legislation permits qualified gun owners who pass background checks and undergo 16 hours of training to get permits for $150.

Here's a look at everything Quinn wants to change:

— ALCOHOL: Guns would be banned from any business where alcohol is served. Currently, the legislation bars guns only from restaurants whose liquor sales amount to less than half of gross sales.

— LOCAL LAWS: Local communities would be able to create their own laws limiting assault weapons.

— SIGNAGE: A person wouldn't be allowed to carry a concealed gun into a business, church or other private property unless the owner displays a sign giving them express permission.

— AT WORK: Employers would be able to enact policies prohibiting workers from carrying concealed weapons on the job or on job-related duties.

— GUNS AND AMMO: Licensed gun owners would only be allowed to carry a single concealed gun and one ammunition clip holding up to 10 rounds.

— MENTAL HEALTH: More clarification would be required to assure that Illinois State Police get mental health records to determine whether a permit applicant could be a threat to themselves or others.

— VISIBILITY: The definition of "concealed firearm" would be clarified to remove language that allows people to carry "mostly concealed" weapons. Quinn wants guns completely concealed.

— OPEN RECORDS: A Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board would have to follow state open records laws and notify the public about its meetings.

— ALERTING AUTHORITIES: People who have a concealed firearm would immediately have to tell police and public safety officials they're carrying a gun.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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