Politics & Government

Concealed Carry Legalized; Dillard, Pihos Among Majority Overriding Governor's Amendatory Veto

Gun owners will now need to apply for a license and take required classes and training to legally carry a concealed firearm.

Local lawmakers in the Illinois House and Senate were among those voting in the majority to override Gov. Pat Quinn’s amendatory veto, thereby legalizing concealed carry in the state of Illinois.

Without any debate Tuesday, the Illinois House voted 77-31 to override Gov. Quinn’s changes to compromise legislation lawmakers agreed upon in May. The Illinois Senate voted 41-17 to override the amendatory veto.

The Chicago Tribune reported Illinois was the only state to prohibit concealed carry and faced a court-mandated July 9 deadline to enact regulations.

Find out what's happening in Glen Ellynwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Moving forward, Illinois gun owners will be able to carry a concealed firearm with a valid concealed carry license issued by the Illinois State Police, which now has 180 days to develop the process, the Tribune reported. Possessing a valid Firearms Owners Identification Card is not enough to conceal carry.

Under the legislation, a concealed carry license for Illinois residents would be $150 and the license would be valid for five years, the Tribune reported. Qualifying for the license will require applicants to complete 16 hours of firearms training, including classroom and range instruction.

Find out what's happening in Glen Ellynwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

How local legislators voted:

State Sen. Kirk Dillard, 24th Senate District (R-Hinsdale): Yes

State Rep. Sandra Pihos, 48th House District (R-Glen Ellyn): Yes


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