US Rep. Johnson Introduces Concealed Carry Measure

Since his own amendment failed, Congressman Tim Johnson (R-Urbana) is making another bid to introduce concealed carry in Illinois.

The Republican's measure (the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act, or H.R. 3543) would allow anyone who obtains a permit for concealed carry in another state to legally carry the weapon in Illinois. Johnson's bill comes after his amendment to the national Right-to-Carry Reciprocity bill fell in a House committee last month.

Johnson said he expects a legal challenge to follow, regardless of whether action is taken on his bill or the original measure, which awaits Senate action.

"It's absurd that 49 out of 50 states have what's a very modest, simple approach to the issue, and Illinois doesn't," Johnson said. "So when we try to address the underlying issue of reciprocity, it is equally absurd to exclude Illinois from its coverage."

Johnson said it will likely require the GOP to control both the Senate and Presidency in 2013 in order for the original bill to become law. But he noted his bill would not require Illinois to pass legislation of its own, "although I think that's good public policy."

The Congressman said he expects a number of co-sponsors to the measure, noting lawmakers from Illinois like Republicans U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock, Adam Kinzinger, and Randy Hultgren had backed his amendment.

Illinois is the only state without a concealed carry law.