Proposed increase in concealed carry penalties irk some Illinois gun owners
KMOV.com
Posted on March 25, 2014 at 4:09 PM
Updated Tuesday, Mar 25 at 5:37 PM
(KMOV.com) — As concealed carry permits go out in Illinois, a state lawmaker is trying to increase the penalties for gun owners who break the rules - specifically at schools.
News 4 has been looking into the details and found out the bills are getting a rise out of gun owners.
Concealed carry is already illegal at places like schools and government buildings.
But a bill introduced by Democratic Representative Deborah Conroy specifically targets those who carry guns at schools by making it a felony offense rather than a misdemeanor.
A second bill would raise the fine for carrying concealed in a prohibited place from $150 to $500.
The extra money would be put into the mental health reporting fund.
Many gun owners complain there are already fines and infractions for offender, and the new legislation is overkill.
“You go into a place and someone’s in there and I have to protect myself or my family, I believe in my rights to do so,” said gun owner Amy Miller. “The penalty increasing I think that’s ridiculous.”
Both bills have made it to the firearms subcommittee.
News 4 will follow whether or not they make it to the General Assembly floor for a vote.
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