SPRINGFIELD, IL (AP) - Illinois State Police say two southwestern Illinois firearms instructors were improperly certifying students trying to get concealed carry permits.

The agency says Tuesday that nearly 100 students who were taught by the pair will have their training invalidated and their applications denied. The instructors won't be able to teach and the agency is forwarding its findings to the St. Clair County State's Attorney's office.

More than 2,700 firearms instructors have been certified by the state to teach gun safety classes as part of Illinois' new concealed carry law.

Illinois State Police officials say they received complaints in January that the two instructors were awarding certificates to students who had not completed the minimum required training.

All applicants have to attend at least 16 hours of training before they can apply for the licenses. The first licenses were distributed earlier this month.

ISP is notifying the students that their training is invalid and their applications will be denied. The students can appeal the decision through the department's administrative review process.

About 46,000 concealed carry applications have been submitted. Officials expect about 300,000 applications to be filed this year.

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