House considering dangerous gun bill
The House of Representatives is considering a dangerous bill, HR38 "Concealed Carry Reciprocity," that will eviscerate Illinois' gun laws. In Illinois, we have a balanced concealed carry permit system that ensures the right of trained and responsible people to carry loaded concealed weapons. Crucially, Illinois law requires permit holders to complete hours of training, including live-fire practice, pass a background check and be the minimum age of 21 before carrying loaded weapons in public spaces. These requirements are common sense and critical to public safety.
However, if passed Concealed Carry Reciprocity would allow people from other states to carry hidden, loaded weapons in our communities without meeting the standards required by Illinois law. Nineteen states do not require gun safety training to carry a concealed gun in public. Twelve states, including our neighbor Missouri, require no permit at all and no background check. Other states allow domestic abusers and people convicted of violent misdemeanors to carry concealed loaded guns in public. All of these people would be able to carry loaded guns in Illinois if Congress passes this bill.
As recent armed robberies at banks and ATMs in our community show, even our suburban community is not immune to gun violence. Residents deserve and need to feel safe. Allowing untrained, teen, and even violent criminals to carry loaded guns in our public spaces will further endanger our community. I urge my congressman, Peter Roskam, and others in the Illinois delegation to vote no on any bill containing Concealed Carry Reciprocity. Protect Illinois residents and Illinois' common sense permitting standards - oppose HR38, Concealed Carry Reciprocity.
Holly Blastic, Moms Demand Action
Naperville