Illinois lawmakers Tuesday moved forward a bill to allow residents to carry concealed handguns, the
St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. If the bill passes, Illinois would join the 48 other states that have concealed carry laws. Wisconsin doesn’t allow concealed weapons, but it allows anyone to carry a gun out in the open.
The measure passed the House Agriculture & Conservation Committee Tuesday, setting up a watershed debate on the state House floor in the coming days.
"The momentum has shifted," said National Rifle Association lobbyist Todd Vandermyde. He noted that many major law enforcement organizations are now in favor of the change, which wasn't the case in the past. "The 'blue wall' is behind us now," he told the newspaper.
Supporters of the bill said it’s the right of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and their families.
© 2013 Newsmax. All rights reserved.