As state leaders debate concealed carry legislation, Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Orland Hills) is joining Lt. Governor Sheila Simon’s Firearms Working Group to learn about different perspectives and bridge the geographical divide on gun ownership and use in Illinois. 

The working group includes newly elected Republicans and Democrats in the General Assembly who represent urban, suburban and rural districts. They will meet with stakeholders on all sides of the gun control debate as leaders craft a law that could allow Illinoisans to carry concealed firearms.

“As a firearm owner and veteran, I fully understand the responsibility required of being a gun owner,” Hastings said. “I will work with all parties involved to garner bipartisan support for a bill allowing for concealed carry.”

Hastings also noted that safety should be a main concern when debating legislation.

“Firearm owners who want to privately carry a firearm should do so in a safe and responsible manner,” Hastings said. “I look forward to working with the Lt. Governor to make concealed carry in Illinois a safe reality.”

Currently, Illinois is the only state with a law banning concealed carry. The law was declared unconstitutional in December by a three-member panel of the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and the state was ordered to pass a law allowing concealed carry within 180 days. Attorney General Lisa Madigan appealed to the full 7th Circuit Court for review, but lawmakers are working on legislation in response to the court order and other high-profile gun control issues such as an assault weapons ban.

Simon’s Firearms Working Group plans to talk with stakeholders in the debate and work toward a consensus on components of pending legislation. Meetings will be held in communities around Illinois, where members will meet with gun owners, hunters, families affected by gun violence, domestic violence advocates, mental health experts and law enforcement officials. Members will also learn how to safely operate a firearm at the Sparta World Shooting Complex.