Rep. Smiddy-Sponsored Concealed Carry Bill Advances in Legislature

SPRINGFIELD, IL - State Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) issued the following statement after the



House passed concealed carry legislation on Friday:



"Passing concealed carry legislation in the Illinois House today is a monumental step forward



after years of deadlock and inaction in Springfield have denied citizens their basic rights. For



too long, Illinois has been the only state in the nation to bar citizens from the free and proper



exercise of their Second Amendment Constitutional rights. After today's historic vote, Illinois is



finally within reach of becoming the last state in the nation to allow for the concealed carry of a



firearm and giving law-abiding, responsible gun owners the ability to defend themselves.



"Senate Bill 2193 is a 'shall issue' measure that protects the rights of law-abiding gun owners



to carry in the state of Illinois while preventing municipalities from enacting their own



burdensome restrictions. A disjointed state law not only would infringe on citizens' rights, but



also force the burden of learning 208 towns' guns laws on law-abiding, legally carrying citizens.



"The bill we passed today is an important step in the right direction to guarantee gun owners'



rights. Clearing the House with a veto-proof majority sends the message that my colleagues are



ready to respect the Second Amendment. I urge every Senator in this state to vote for this bill



and send it to the governor's desk immediately."



For more information, contact Smiddy's office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com, (309) 848-9098, or



toll free at (855) 243-4988.



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