Desertdog
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Bill defending gun owner's right to fire in self-defense on hold
http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-gun23.html
April 23, 2004
SPRINGFIELD -- A plan to expand the legal rights of gun owners who fire in self-defense is headed for legislative purgatory in the Illinois House, a key legislator said Thursday.
The legislation was a response to the case of a Wilmette man who shot a burglar in his home and was then charged with violating a local law that outlawed owning handguns.
Rep. William Delgado, House Judiciary Committee chairman, said he would create a subcommittee to study the bill and that further action should wait until the fall. He said approving the measure could open up loopholes that would let gun owners use their weapons on the streets and escape punishment.
''This bill will have overwhelming impact on the streets,'' said Delgado (D-Chicago). ''Something just doesn't seem right.''
Gov. Blagojevich has also criticized the legislation and promised to veto it if it reached his desk in its current form.
Each legislative chamber has approved a version of the bill. Delgado plans to block action on the version now pending in the House, and he said the version now in the Senate probably would be delayed, too.
But the bill's sponsor, Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion), is not giving up hope. He said many legislators and Illinois residents support the idea of helping people protect themselves.
''I intend to keep pushing it on all fronts,'' Bradley said.
http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-gun23.html
April 23, 2004
SPRINGFIELD -- A plan to expand the legal rights of gun owners who fire in self-defense is headed for legislative purgatory in the Illinois House, a key legislator said Thursday.
The legislation was a response to the case of a Wilmette man who shot a burglar in his home and was then charged with violating a local law that outlawed owning handguns.
Rep. William Delgado, House Judiciary Committee chairman, said he would create a subcommittee to study the bill and that further action should wait until the fall. He said approving the measure could open up loopholes that would let gun owners use their weapons on the streets and escape punishment.
''This bill will have overwhelming impact on the streets,'' said Delgado (D-Chicago). ''Something just doesn't seem right.''
Gov. Blagojevich has also criticized the legislation and promised to veto it if it reached his desk in its current form.
Each legislative chamber has approved a version of the bill. Delgado plans to block action on the version now pending in the House, and he said the version now in the Senate probably would be delayed, too.
But the bill's sponsor, Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion), is not giving up hope. He said many legislators and Illinois residents support the idea of helping people protect themselves.
''I intend to keep pushing it on all fronts,'' Bradley said.
