No Weapon

House Bill 0183(HB-0183), commonly known as the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, became law in Illinois on July 9, 2013. The law allows concealed carry licenses to carry concealed or mostly concealed handguns in most public places. See below for exceptions to this law.

Applications for concealed carry licenses were available beginning January, 5, 2014. The first licenses will be issues no later than April 4, 2014. The Illinois State Police estimates that about 400,000 people will apply for concealed carry licenses.

The Illinois State Police are responsible for the implementation of licensing procedures, but the local governments like the Village of Orland Hills and local law enforcement agencies such as the Orland Hills Police Department also have obligations under the law.

Definition of "Handgun"

HB-0183 defines a hangun as "any device which is designated to expel a projectile or projectiles by the action of an explosion, expansion of gas or escape of gas that is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand".

The term "handgun" does not include stun guns, tasers, machine guns, short-barreled rifles or shotguns, or any pneumatic guns, spring guns, paintball guns or BB guns that have a muzzle velocity of less than 200 feet per second.

Exceptions to the Law

Concealed weapons are not allowed at public gatherings or special events conducted on property open to the public that require the issuance of a permit from the Village of Orland Hills. These events must have approved signage posted at all entrances notifying attendees that concealed firearms will not be allowed on the premises.

A concealed carry license may walk through such public gathering only if they must do so to access their residence, place of business or vehicle

Resources

  • Concealed Carry FAQs
  • House Bill 0183
  • Requirements for Concealed Carry Signage
  • Concealed Carry Licensing
  • Illinois State Police