Bill allows correctional, judicial workers in Illinois to carry concealed weapons

<p class="p1">In an effort to expand gun laws in Illinois and ensure correctional officers can protect themselves, State Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg, is sponsoring legislation that would  allow correctional and judicial employees to carry a concealed weapon in prohibited places, such as courthouses and government buildings.</p><p class="p1">“As Americans we have a right to bear arms and to protect ourselves from any potential threat, and our correctional officers need to have the ability to protect themselves and others from criminals,” Phelps said. </p><p class="p1">“To limit that in places where so many people are at-risk, like courthouses, is a major safety concern.”</p><p class="p1">House Bill 5518 would amend the Firearm Concealed Carry Act to allow concealed carry licensees who are correctional officers, judges and attorneys to carry a concealed firearm in any area currently prohibited under the state’s current law. </p><p class="p1">Phelps said in a news release that he believes the bill is necessary “in order to protect the people who work to put away dangerous criminals and ensure that our communities are safe.” </p><p class="p1">Phelps was the author of Illinois’ concealed carry legislation that passed in July of 2015 and said he “has been fighting ever since Democratic Governor Pat Quinn tried to prevent its passage to expand rights for gun owners.”  </p><p class="p1">“The law would allow responsible, law-abiding owners the ability to keep their gun on them so they can better protect the general public,” Phelps said. </p><p class="p1">“Gun owners have to jump through so many hoops before they can legally carry a concealed firearm, and this legislation is a common sense idea to make it easier for our correctional officers and those working to put away criminals to ensure their safety.”</p>