The Village of Oak Park | 123 Madison St.  Oak Park, IL 60302 | village@oak-park.us

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Concealed-carry law goes into effect Jan. 1

Dec. 31, 2013 - Local authority over firearms officially ends on Jan. 1 as state concealed-carry legislation goes into effect.

Under the new Firearm Concealed Carry Act, the Illinois State Police will issue licenses to individuals who qualify under the legislation to carry concealed firearms. The State Police also are required to maintain a database of licenses and applications that can be accessed by local law enforcement agencies.

The first licenses are expected to be issued in April.

With limited exceptions, carrying a concealed firearm is prohibited in public buildings and gatherings, including schools, parks, playgrounds and government buildings such as Village Hall.

The law also specifically prohibits concealed firearms in establishments where more than 50 percent of gross receipts are from alcohol sales.

In addition, single-family homeowners may prohibit people from entering their property with a concealed firearm, and any business owner who posts a sign approved by the State Police may prohibit concealed firearms on his or her premises.

Currently, Oak Park Police are being trained on appropriate enforcement of the new law, given its potential effect on officer safety. Police also are planning to reach out to local business operators and others needing to know how best to handle situations where someone is suspected of carrying a concealed firearm in a prohibited location.

To help interested merchants be prepared by the time licenses are issued, the Village is planning to provide state-approved door decals that let arriving customers know that concealed firearms are prohibited on the premises. To request a sticker, email business@oak-park.us for more information.

Illinois was the last state to allow concealed carry.