BILL OF RIGHTS-CARRY FIREARMS
If HJRCA0007 is adopted, it would not only reinforce the rights of citizens under the Illinois Constitution but may also align state law more closely with interpretations of the Second Amendment in federal law. This could impact existing regulations related to firearms, as it would affirm the right to carry firearms in addition to ownership. Lawmakers might need to reevaluate current laws and ordinances that restrict carrying firearms in various public settings.
HJRCA0007 proposes an amendment to the Right to Arms provision of the Illinois Constitution. The bill asserts that, subject to police power, individual citizens have the right to keep and bear arms as well as the explicit right to carry firearms. This proposal clarifies the constitutional rights of individuals regarding firearm possession and use, potentially broadening the interpretation of the right to bear arms in Illinois.
The proposed amendment is likely to spark debate among various stakeholders. Supporters of HJRCA0007 argue that it is a necessary step to ensure individual rights to self-defense and personal safety. However, opponents may voice concerns about public safety and the potential increase in gun-related incidents. The amendment could lead to contention over how 'police power' is defined, as this aspect may allow law enforcement to regulate carrying firearms to some extent, raising questions about the balance between individual rights and community safety.