STATE— While Illinois struggles to make its way out of a constitutional abyss as the only state that does not allow its citizens to carry firearms concealed, lawmakers have approved a proposal to ban the use of hand-held cellular phones while driving.
Gov. Pat Quinn
On Thursday, May 23 the Illinois Senate approved a 34-20 measure that would offer law enforcement yet another avenue to meet budgetary concerns with fines up to $75 for the first offense, up to $100 for the second, up to $125 for the third and up to $150 for the fourth.
The problem, as many residents see it, is that many of the officers tasked with enforcing the measure should it be signed by Gov. Patrick Quinn, are frequently spotted either texting or talking on their cellular phones.
The general public appears divided on the issue with some believing studies that show texting a greater threat than drunk driving to those who believe there are sufficient laws on the books to deal with distracted driving without giving police officers yet another reason to detail motorists.
If signed by Gov. Quinn the measure would be law January 1, 1024.
Guns, guns, guns!
In the wake of the much hated, by gun advocates, speaker of the house Democrat Michael Madigan changing course Friday, May 24, and supporting concealed carry, gun activists believe they may be on the threshold of getting what many have been fighting for decades.
The deal that brought about the 85-30 passing of the proposal was actually brokered by Madigan himself, many believe in an attempt to comply with a federal appeals court ruling that ordered the state to adopt a concealed carry law by June 9.
However, Madigan’s own words seem to imply a deeper meaning.
“The vote counts are very telling,” Madigan said. “They tell the reason why I stand before you today, changing a position I’ve advocated for well over 20 years. But that’s what happens in a democracy, where there’s free and open debate.”
Currently the state has 220 “home rule” communities that are free to create local guidelines on any issue they wish, including concealed carry.
If June 9 passes without Gov. Quinn signing a law, those communities could write their own rules making enforcement a nightmare and clogging an already overwhelmed court system with constitutional challenges.
House Speaker Michael Madigan
The measure would require Illinois State Police to issue a permit to any applicant who has a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card, completes required training, passes a background check, and pays $150.
The legislation is being sponsored by Rep. Brandon Phelps, a southern Illinois Democrat who has been an ardent gun-rights advocate.
Gov. Quinn, who many believe could screw-up a wet-dream continues to defy voters saying Friday, “This legislation is wrong for Illinois. It was wrong yesterday in committee, it’s wrong today, and it’s wrong for the future of public safety in our state.”
Rep. Brandon Phelps
Many voters are now saying in response that Gov. Quinn was wrong for Illinois when he was elevated to the position in the wake of yet another governor was convicted and sent to prison, he was wrong for Illinois when he was elected 2010 and he is wrong for Illinois in 2014.
The result
So voters are looking at a cell phone restriction allowing police more reasons to stop and potentially harass motorists, a “No” on concealed carry that would bring us in line with the rest of the country and a probably on medical marijuana as a publicity stunt to get re-elected.