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Springfield, IL – A state lawmaker from western Illinois is turning to the web to gauge interest in a proposed concealed carry law.
Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville) has created an on-line petition that can be signed by those who support the measure. The petition can be found on his website.
"This is the first time I've done it (an on-line petition) on any kind of issue," Sullivan said. "I'm hoping to use it more in the future on other issues."
Sullivan said he is already looking to set up a petition to gather input on the best way for the state to come up with enough money to pay its backlog of overdue bills.
Sullivan said he supports the concealed carry legislation.
"It's a fundamental right. The Second Amendment is a fundamental right of this country and that's why I'm supportive of it," Sullivan said.
Sullivan is a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 82, the Family and Personal Protection Act.
Sullivan said the bill requires those who apply for a concealed carry permit to complete a multi-step process that includes classroom instruction and live firing exercises. Applicants must be at least age 21 and have no record of felonies, violence, mental illness, or substance abuse.
Permits would be issued on the local level by county sheriffs.
Sullivan said there is no evidence that concealed carry leads to an increase in gun violence. In fact, he said gun violence has decreased in some states that already have such a law on the books.
He said every state except Illinois and Wisconsin allows concealed carry.