Hb-148.
I was part of the team that help craft this bill with Todd Vandermyde, the NRA's lobbyist, as the representative of Guns Save Life.
This process began with a good, fair bill. One that addressed the concerns of our more reasonable critics and at the same time gave us a nice bill that would solve issues like carry in nice restaurants, carry on campus except buildings, open carry (!) and a few other niceties. And it was a bill we felt could be passed with a super-majority right out of the gate.
Well, in the course of securing enough votes (and endorsements) to assure that it would get passed, the bill has evolved substantially. IMHO, it isn't the "good" bill it was formerly, but it is certainly better than what we've got now.
Sure, residents of may issue states would probably like this bill, but unless you live in North Carolina, I can't think of many shall-issue states that would like to have this bill.
And for those visiting IL, no reciprocity is a PITA as well.
It's probably got the votes to pass.
Will the governor veto it?
Like Todd says, and I agree: "I expect the governor to give this bill the same careful consideration as he gave the tax hike bill where he said he wouldn't sign a tax increase over 1%".
Look for a lot of bluster and probably a whimper at the end.
Or, alternatively, it could get blocked if enough votes are co-opted to sustain a veto. In which case I'd look for a lot of downstate Dems not to return come the 2012 elections.
Downstate Dems are PLEADING with their leadership for some "red meat" for their constituents after the tax hike vote, the gay marriage bill, ending the death penalty and more...
John