SPRINGFIELD - Debate on House Speaker Mike Madigan's HB 1155 concealed carry bill lasted from 12:30 PM Tuesday to 9:30 PM Tuesday night. One by one, locations, facilities and areas were added to the list of places where handguns would be banned statewide. Schools, daycare centers, sports stadiums, casinos and government buildings and their adjacent properties and parking lots were included via over 12 amendments, until a vote on State Rep Brandon Phelps' Amendment #27 ended the night's debate.
HB 1155 remains on second reading in the House, with several amendments pending discussion. Some say if the bill passes as it is now, it will be struck down by the 7th Circuit Court once more. Others say that if nothing happens, the no-holds-barred constitutional carry will go into effect with little or no restrictions as to the carriers and the places where handguns may be carried.
Do you know how your state rep voted on those amendments? Illinois Review has posted the roll calls and a brief description of the proposed amendments HERE. Browse through and see how you're being represented on this issue in Springfield this week.