Guns in Public Places: Where Do You Stand?

Gun control hearings will convene before an Illinois House committee later this month, says Speaker Mike Madigan, and there will be much talk about a new concealed carry law.

One hearing will take place in Chicago on Feb. 22, at the Michael A. Bilandic Building in Chicago. The other will be in Springfield on Feb. 19 at the Capitol.

“In light of events in recent months in Illinois and in other parts of the country, it’s appropriate and necessary that we give a full vetting to proposed state legislation on this matter," reads a statement from Madigan. "These hearings will provide an opportunity for gun-safety advocates, gun-rights supporters and members of the law enforcement community to offer their views and argue their cases to legislators and the people of Illinois.”

A federal appeals court in December opted to give state lawmakers 180 days to craft a concealed carry law instead of nullifying the state ban. The state has until June 9, according to the court ruling.

The governor would like to keep guns out of schools, parks and shopping malls. 

A bill that is gaining bipartisan support would restrict Illinois residents from carrying guns in bars, airports, courthouses, casinos, stadiums, libraries, child care businesses, schools, colleges, jails and mental health facilities. Some lawmakers believe guns should be allowed in shopping malls and movie theaters.

This post is published throughout the Chicago-area Patch network.

If Illinoisans are allowed to carry concealed handguns, what places would you want to be off limits?

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