Plainfield Reacts to Illinois' New Concealed Carry Law

Illinois officially legalized private carrying of concealed guns on Tuesday as both houses of the legislature voted convincingly to override Gov. Pat Quinn's veto: the House by 77-31, and the Senate by 41-17.

The new legislation requires a background check and 16 hours of firearms training to purchase a $150 five-year concealed-carry license; as a "shall-issue" law, Illinois State Police must grant the license to anyone with those credentials.

Illinois faced a Tuesday deadline to adopt a concealed-carry provision after a federal appeals court ruled in December 2012 that the state's ban on concealed-carry was unconstitutional.

Related: How Your Reps Voted

Plainfield Patch readers took to our Facebook page to give their reaction to the legislation. Here's just some of what they had to say:

• Michael B. The Plainfield Moose will be holding a Conceal Carry class this month. Very informative for those interested in learning all about this law. Please contact the Moose for more information.
• Jon N. Illinois was the last state in the Union to adopt a concealed carry law. 
  Anyone notice how Wisconsin fell into a state of turmoil and lawless disorder after they adopted a little over 18 months ago? Me either!
  Anyone hear about the myriad of random shooting perpetrated by legal concealed carry holders in the other 49 states? Me either!
  If it makes you feel safer, great! Personally, I think giving potential victims the potential to fight back against the worst of situations is a good thing.
  
• Kurt R. It's what the constitution has always said..always
• Brian K. It's about time the scales are balanced out between the lawless and law abiding.
• Bob/Melanie A. All i have to say is. Hang em High.
• Shirley A. I personally think its wrong.
  
• Susan E. Very much in favor of legalization.

Now it's your turn. What do you think of Illinois' new Conceal Carry law? Will it make us safer or does it invite more gun violence? Tell us in the comments section below.