Illinois Family and Personal Protection Act

the following post is from the 95th session,
the conceal carry law has several versions in the 96th session, 2009-10 as noted in this update.

There is new legislation in the Illinois General Assembly that would allow Illinois citizens to carry concealed firearms.
It is named "The Family and Personal Protection Act" and is a bill that would establish statewide standards for issuing concealed carry permits. At this time, Illinois is one of only 2 states that do not allow concealed carry for its own law abiding citizens.
A big question is whether Mike Madigan would ever let it come close to a vote after it makes it through the sausage machine. One way you can help is to contact your local representative and ask that he or she co-sponsor or otherwise support the bill.
The bill was referred to the Rules Committee on January 18. I wonder how long it will languish in a committee weighted by two Cook County Democrats? The members of the Rules Committee are listed at the end of this post.

New Illinois Firearm Legislation
Schock proposes concealed-carry bill
Schock says overall interest in concealed-carry laws is increasing among his central Illinois constituency, as well as statewide.
Full Text of HB4544
(The Family and Personal Protection Act)
Bill Status of HB4544
Synopsis As Introduced: HB4544
Creates the Family and Personal Protection Act.
Establishes statewide uniform standards for the issuance of permits to carry concealed firearms in this State. Vests in the county sheriff
the authority to issue concealed firearms permits to qualified applicants.
Requires an applicant to complete a training course in handgun use, safety, and marksmanship. Also requires instruction in the law relating to firearm use. Requires an applicant to be at least 21 years of age. Prohibits an applicant who has been convicted of a felony or has a history of mental illness, addiction, or habitual alcohol use from obtaining a permit. Creates the Citizen Safety and Self-Defense Trust Fund in each county, to be administered by the sheriff. Provides that the moneys in the Fund shall be used to administer the Act. Establishes restrictions on carrying concealed firearms. Establishes standards for the training course and for certifying instructors. Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that the Family and Personal Protection Act supersedes an ordinance of a unit of local government inconsistent with that Act. Prohibits a home rule unit from regulating the issuance of permits to carry concealed firearms. Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Exempts from an unlawful use of weapons and aggravated unlawful use of weapons violation persons who carry or possess firearms in accordance with the Family and Personal Protection Act. Effective immediately.

Rules Committee members:
Chairperson Representative: Barbara Flynn Currie (D) Cook County 25th District
Republican Spokesperson: Representative William B. Black (R) Vermilion County 104th District
Member - Representative Gary Hannig (D) Montgomery County 98th District
Member - Representative Brent Hassert (R) Will County 85th District
Member - Representative Arthur L. Turner (D) Cook County 9th District