What new control tax is next?

Note to sweet tea and soda drinkers who are also anti-smokers:

When the dot gov do-gooders came after my tobacco and taxed it to both cut use AND raise revenue, you didn't care, and it seemed like a great idea to you, considering that you couldn't bring yourself to realize that the slippery slope of government intervention in personal matters loomed ahead.

Sweetened drink taxes are the new "sin taxes" of today. What will the next target be? Will you care?

Family and Personal Protection Act 2010

Here are two Illinois House Bills to watch for concealed carry permits in Illinois. HB462 and HB6249.

Bill Status of HB0462 96th General Assembly
Hearing scheduled:
Agriculture & Conservation Committee Hearing Mar 9 2010 2:00PM Capitol Building Room 122B Springfield, IL - House Floor Amendment 1

Synopsis As Introduced
Creates the Family and Personal Protection Act. Permits the county sheriff to issue permits to carry concealed firearms to persons at least 21 years of age who meet certain requirements. Requires an applicant for a permit to have completed specified training requirements developed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board consisting of classroom instruction and live firing exercises. Preempts home rule. Amends the Illinois Police Training Act and the Criminal Code of 1961 to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.
House Sponsors
Rep. Brandon W. Phelps - David Reis - Patrick J. Verschoore - John D. Cavaletto, Shane Cultra, Bill Mitchell, Mike Bost, Ron Stephens, Robert F. Flider, Paul D. Froehlich and Daniel V. Beiser

And the following similar bill, with issuance of permits by ISP rather than County Sheriffs.

Bill Status of HB6249 96th General Assembly

Short Description: FIREARMS-CONCEALED-PERMITS

Synopsis As Introduced

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 Department of State Police 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. Creates the Citizen Safety and Self-Defense Trust Fund administered by the Department. 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.

House Sponsors

Rep. John E. Bradley - Paul D. Froehlich