As you probably know, the General Assembly recently passed House Bill 183, a bill that authorizes people to carry concealed firearms in Illinois. I did not support House Bill 183 when it was called for a vote in the Senate, as I believe it is too restrictive in taking away local control of firearm regulations. At this point, the governor has failed to act on this bill.

Over the last several weeks, my office has received numerous inquiries as to the status of this bill and specifics relating to where a firearm may be carried and the requirements to obtain a concealed carry permit.

Given the high level of correspondence I have received, I have worked with my staff to come up with some answers to frequently asked questions concerning concealed carry.

Click here for answers to these commonly asked questions as well as more information regarding concealed carry in Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD– State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) released the following statement on her vote against House Bill 183.

“I think that local municipalities should have the ability to decide what gun control measures are appropriate for their own community,” Morrison said.  “Unfortunately, this bill takes away that right.  While I am glad the Senate reached a compromise, I could not support the measure because it takes away local control.”

SPRINGFIELD– Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) released the following statement after the Senate approved Senate Bill 2404, a pension reform proposal.

“This proposal has support from Democrats, Republicans and unions in Illinois.  It will save our state up to $46 billion and puts us on a path towards solving our pension funding crisis.”

For a look at Senate Bill 2404, please click here.

SPRINGFIELD –  Seeking to shut down loopholes in state lobbying laws, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) is advancing legislation that requires more information be publicly disclosed on exactly who the multitude of Capitol lobbyists are working for.

Springfield lobbyists are required by law to report the names of their clients along with any expenditure made on their behalf. This information is posted online and available to the public.

A commonly used loophole in the law, however, allows lobbyists whose clients are other lobbyists to not specify the actual beneficiary of their work. Morrison’s measure would close this loophole by requiring all beneficiaries to be disclosed.