People who want Illinoisans to legally carry concealed weapons have reason to celebrate.

The state House, capping an eight-hour discussion on the issue, passed what sponsoring State Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg) billed as a comprehensive concealed-carry measure in the form of an amendment.

14 amendments were tacked on during a long floor debate.  Many of the amendments outline where people will and will not be allowed to carry a gun once the law is finally passed. Republicans say the bill is too restrictive because it would only allow people to carry guns on sidewalks and in their cars. 

The day’s proceedings took the unusual form of a floor debate on individual pieces of what could be a concealed-carry law, prompting minority Republicans to complain it was simply a stunt to make them look bad.

“We believe that a bureaucrat should not dictate who gets a permit or not get a permit, like they do in New York,” said Phelps, suggesting only the connected can get a permit there. Phelps says that’s the difference between a “may issue” state and what he wants Illinois to become, “shall issue.”

The vote comes three months after a federal court ordered Illinois to pass some form of a concealed-carry law by June.

H.B. 1155 Floor Amendment 27 passed 67-48. The amended bill awaits a final floor vote.

(Posted 2/27/203 at 7:28am, Illinois Radio Network/Metro Networks)