U.S. Newswire 31 Jan 14:55
Contact: Richard Pearson of Illinois State Rifle Association,
815-635-3198, Web: http://www.isra.org

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Jan. 31 /U.S. Newswire/
-- The following was released today by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA):

The ISRA is pleased to announce the introduction of HB 401, Family and Personal Protection Act. Under the provisions of this proposed legislation, qualifying Illinois citizens would be permitted to carry concealed firearms for the purpose of self-defense. Enactment of HB 401 would bring Illinois in line with better than 40 other states that allow their citizens to carry defensive firearms.

Introduced in the House by Rep. Joel Brunsvold (D-Milan) and Dan Reitz (D-Sparta), HB 401 has been carefully crafted to prevent dangerous individuals from obtaining concealed carry permits. All applicants would be required to submit to a State Police background check, and a full set of the applicant's fingerprints would be sent to the FBI in Washington for further clearance procedures. In addition, the applicant would be required to complete 12 hours of instruction in the legalities related to the use of deadly force for self-defense. Capping off the bill's safety features is the requirement that the applicant successfully complete a live-fire proficiency examination.

Felons, persons convicted of violent misdemeanors, and persons under the restrictions of standing orders of protection would be barred from obtaining permits under the provisions of this bill. "I'm expecting strong bi-partisan support for HB 401," said ISRA president Richard Pearson. "In putting this bill together, we were careful to address the concerns that some have regarding the suitability of permit applicants. The comprehensive application process is designed to weed out felons and others with a demonstrated propensity for violence. Under the bill's tight background check and training requirements, the public may rest assured that those obtaining carry permits will understand the law, be capable of defending themselves in a safe manner, and be of the highest quality of character. In essence, successful applicants will have a stamp of approval from both the Illinois State Police, and the FBI." "Of course, there will be those who will claim that HB 401 encourages "wild west" shootouts in our streets," continued Pearson. "There is absolutely no credible evidence to support that contention. Nowhere have we seen the breakdown of civil order as the result of a concealed carry law being passed. What we have seen are many thoughtful, responsible people taking the opportunity to provide for effective defense of themselves, and their families. We urge Governor Ryan, Senate President Philip, and House Speaker Madigan to lend their support to this life-saving piece of legislation."

The ISRA is the state's leading advocate of safe, lawful responsible firearm ownership. For nearly a century, the ISRA has represented the interests of over 1.5 million law-abiding Illinois firearm owners.