Right to carry HB 148 needs support

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Illinois: Right-to-Carry Bill Under Attack in Springfield!
Please Contact Your State Representative Today!
Anti-gun extremists are working overtime in Illinois to derail efforts to pass House Bill 148, the NRA-supported Right-to-Carry Bill introduced by state Representative Brandon Phelps (D-118). On April 20, the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence (ICHV) and the Brady Campaign joined together with other anti-freedom advocates in Chicago to promote their agenda of opposing the right to personal protection. The focus of this attack on freedom was the claim that HB 148 should be defeated because the Illinois State Police (ISP) would not be able to accurately check for individuals who should be prohibited from acquiring permits due to mental health issues. While the anti-self defense lobby claimed that an “estimated 120,000 mental health records” were not reported by the ISP to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), the ISP testified during a House Human Services Appropriations Committee hearing last week that it did believe that number was accurate. In fact, the guess of 120,000 is actually based on numbers from other states.

The Brady Bunch and its Illinois shills at the ICHV also stated that the entire Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card system had “dangerous gaps.” It is estimated, however, that passage of HB 148 could result in the ISP receiving anywhere from nearly $9 million to almost $29 million in revenue that could be used to update its computer and reporting systems. The ISP has already received a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice for upgrading its computers. If there truly are any “dangerous gaps,” this grant, and the potential money generated through HB 148, should be more than enough to seal those gaps air tight.

In addition to the attacks by these anti-gun extremists, many college and public university administrators are working to defeat HB 148. Our understanding is that Southern Illinois University is leading the effort to oppose HB 148 because the NRA will not agree to making it a felony offense if you carry a firearm onto college or university property.

Ultimately, the goal of the anti-gunners is to reject the idea that Illinois should finally recognize the right to self-defense. As one of only two states that prohibit law-abiding citizens from lawfully carrying a concealed firearm for personal protection, Illinois is on the verge of joining the other 48 states if it can pass HB 148 this year.

It is critical that you contact your state Representative and urge him or her to support your right to self-defense by supporting HB 148. A vote on this legislation could take place as early as next week, so be sure to take action, and urge others to do the same. To locate your state Representative and his or her contact information, please click here.

This alert is posted at: www.nraila.org/Legislation/Read.aspx?ID=6668