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WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

Concealed Carry Bill Sent To Illinois Governor

Illinois.gov

Governor Pat Quinn says he will “review” legislation allowing people to carry guns in public. The measure cleared the General Assembly Friday afternoon. Many of the ideas in this legislation have been out there for months. Permits will cost $150, and guns will not be allowed in places like schools and street fairs.

But unlike one prior plan, cities and counties can keep existing local gun rules -- like Cook County's assault style weapons ban. But the concealed carry law will apply statewide.

Republican Senator Matt Murphy of Palatine says there are risks if a federally-mandated June 9th deadline is not met – most notably, the possibility of concealed carry being allowed anywhere in Illinois.

“There ought to be 59 green lights for this" Murphy said.

But Democratic Senator Kwame Raoul of Chicago, who participated in negotiations between the House and Senate, instead urged his fellow senators to “vote their conscience.”

“No, I am not happy with the end result. But my journey and my assignment was not to achieve my own personal happiness. My assignment was to negotiate a bill" Raoul said.

Both chambers had several lawmakers who said they weren’t satisfied. Despite their objections, both the House and Senate overwhelmingly approved the measure.