— Gov. Pat Quinn, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Senate President John Cullerton decried a bill to legalize concealed firearms that is backed by powerful House Speaker Michael Madigan, contending it would invalidate strict local gun laws like Chicago's ban on assault weapons.
That opposition, however, didn't stop Madigan from advancing the bill Thursday, demonstrating that after months of negotiations, the time for talking was over. Predicting it would pass the House, Madigan has indicated that a vote on the measure could come as early as Friday.
The odd tensions among the four top Chicago Democrats who run state and city government are exacerbated by twin deadlines: the legislature's own scheduled May 31 adjournment date and a June 9 date set by a federal appeals court for Illinois to come up with a concealed carry law after it struck down the nation's only state ban on possessing firearms in public.
The House bill is sponsored by Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg, the legislature's strongest voice for gun-owner rights. It would put in place a statewide standard for concealed carry that would not allow Chicago or other home-rule communities to enact stricter local laws on where guns could be carried.
Moreover, it would wipe out Chicago's existing gun laws by removing the right of home-rule communities to enact their own firearm regulations.
"This legislation as written is a massive overreach that goes far beyond the conceal carry issue," said Quinn spokeswoman Brooke Anderson. "The measure would repeal Chicago's assault weapons ban and put public safety at risk. We oppose this."
After lawmakers had gone home for the day, Emanuel's office issued a statement opposing Madigan's plan, saying the mayor is "committed to working with the leaders" on legislation to combat gun crimes and keep illegal guns off the street.
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