Dear Trenton,
Thank you for contacting my office regarding the 2nd amendment. I appreciate the opportunity to respond to you concerning this matter.
In December 2012 the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals struck down Illinois' ban on concealed carry. The court gave the state 180 days to put in place a law that allows "the carrying of guns in public." The court stated that "reasonable limitations, consistent with public safety and the 2ndAmendment can be included in the legislation.
I joined with a bipartisan group of legislators in supporting House Bill 997, which legalizes concealed carry for trained, licensed law-abiding citizens, while putting in place reasonable restrictions. This legislation respects the Constitutional rights set forth in the Second Amendment, while keeping our communities, families and neighborhoods safe.
I was frustrated and disappointed by the lack of seriousness with HB1155. While I do support several common sense amendments, the fact of the matter is that because of the overreaching nature of the nearly 26 separate restrictions added to HB1155, this legislation will undoubtedly be struck down by the courts. Additionally, I do not support a ban on magazines or any proposal that is not backed by the NRA.
I appreciate you sharing your ideas about how to make Illinois concealed carry law effective and efficient. Please know I am a strong proponent of our 2nd Amendment Right to conceal and carry, and I believe rights should be afforded to responsible law abiding gun owners. I truly hope that a more reasonable compromise can be reached.
Sincerely,
Joe Sosnowski
State Representative
District 69
