Ruling leaves state grappling with concealed carry

CHICAGO (AP) – A federal appeals court on Friday narrowly rejected Illinois’ request to reconsider a ruling that found the state’s concealed carry weapons ban unconstitutional, leaving lawmakers in the only state that still prohibits concealed carry more certain than ever they must come up with a new law.

The 5-4 ruling by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals gave state Attorney General Lisa Madigan the option of appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court – a move that could affect gun laws in other states. It also came on the same day that state lawmakers held a hearing on the issue in Chicago – a city that’s drawn national attention for its gun violence and rising homicide rate, including last month’s death of a 15-year-old honor student a mile from President Barack Obama’s home.

Madigan said in a statement she has not yet decided whether to appeal. But she said a dissent written by four of the judges “provided a clear framework to guide the Legislature in drafting a new law.” Those judges said some restrictions – including limits on who may carry and where they may do so – could be considered constitutional.

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