May 23, 2013: Live Coverage of Illinois House of Representatives

Follow live blog coverage of the Illinois House of Representatives here at noon.

Illinois' Concealed Carry Proposal

The latest concealed carry legislative proposal being considered by Illinois lawmakers passed the House Judiciary committee this morning and is headed to the House floor for consideration by the entire body. The major components of  SB2193 HA1 include:

• Statewide shall-issue licensing standard; 
• Strictly preempts authority of local governments to regulate firearms; 
• No special "endorsement" or permit required for licensee to carry in Chicago or Cook County;
• Grants licensee broad right to carry in a vehicle, including within a vehicle in the parking lot of a prohibited area; 
• License to be issued by State Police; 
• $150 Fee; 5-year license; 
• 16 hours of training (Including Live Fire Exercise),
• Up to 8 hours of training completed in another state can be counted toward this requirement.
• Renewal application requires 3 hours of training, plus re-qualification on the firing range. 
• Carrying prohibited on public transportation, in State and local government buildings, and in other areas defined in this legislation, including but not limited to schools, childcare facilities, stadiums, courthouses and airports.
• Effective immediately; 
• Applications to be available within 180 days; 
• Allows law enforcement to object to an application on Basis of “clear and present danger to self or others, or threat to public safety,” which triggers review by Concealed Carry Licensing Board (created by this legislation); 
• Denial of application by ISP is subject to administrative review, pursuant to the Illinois Administrative Review Law; final administrative decision is subject to judicial review; 
• Denial of application by Concealed Carry Licensing Board is subject to judicial review; Application to be processed within 90 days (unless subject to review by Concealed Carry Licensing Board). 
• The time for processing a license application subject to the maximum amount of scrutiny allowed under the provisions of this bill would be approximately 180 days. 
• While applicants are not required to submit fingerprints, the State Police would be allowed an additional 30 days to process the application if the applicant does not submit a set of fingerprints.

Highlights from committee hearing.

Details of SB2193 HA1

Live Coverage of Concealed Carry from Committee Today

Follow highlights of the concealed carry debate from House Committee on Judiciary right here, starting at 9:30 a.m. today.

SB2193, House Amendment #1 is the concealed carry legislation introduced by Rep. Brandon Phelps (D).

Tribute for Fallen Soldiers

Those who gave their lives in service to this country were honored today on the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives. We extend our sympathies to their families as we mourn with their loss and remember the fallen.

May 22, 2013: Live Coverage of Illinois House of Representatives

Rep. JoAnn Osmond

House session is scheduled to begin at 11:30 AM today. Check back here for live coverage and refer to House Calendar for bills that may be considered.

VIDEO: Chief GOP Budget Negotiator on Medicaid Expansion

Representative Patti Bellock, House GOP budget negotiator speaks to the concerns of SB26, the Expansion of Medicaid Bill that passed out of committee today.

Protecting Families, Strengthening DUI Laws

House Republican Leader Tom Cross passed SB1764 out of committee today increasing the penalties for driving while intoxicated for drivers for hire. The legislation now heads to the House floor for a future vote.