Governor Says Cities Should Decide Conceal-Carry Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Gov. Pat Quinn is holding fast to his position that legislation calling for the carrying of concealed weapons should allow city governments to decide their own standards.

But the governor’s preference goes against lawmakers, who have given such ideas a chilly reception. The General Assembly has until June 9 to end Illinois’ last-in-the-nation ban on concealed carry because of a federal appeals court ruling.

Quinn wants larger cities such as Chicago to be able to set up their own standards for gun-toting citizens. Gun-rights advocates say that would create a confusing “patchwork” of laws and put gun owners in jeopardy.

A plan in the Senate would give Chicago-area police the ability to deny gun permits. Gun owners and Republicans are cool to the idea.