Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan now has a bit more time to decide whether or not to appeal a federal court ruling that would force the last state in the union outlawing concealed carry to lift its longstanding ban.
On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court decided to give Madigan until June 24 to file should she decide to move forward with an appeal, the Associated Press reports.
In December, the The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals found Illinois’ ban on concealed carry unconstitutional.
Per the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling, Illinois lawmakers have until June 9 to legalize concealed carry. According to NBC Rockford, the high court's Friday ruling does not affect that deadline, but it does buy Madigan more time to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case.
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling has largely pitted downstate lawmakers in favor of looser regulations against the pro-gun control lawmakers in the Chicago metro area.
According to the Belleville News-Democrat, gun-rights supporters say if the legislature doesn't craft a new law by the June 9 deadline, "constitutional carry" would take effect, allowing the carrying of guns in public with almost no restrictions.
Spokeswoman Natalie Bauer says Madigan has not yet decided if she will appeal, the Associated Press reports. Madigan's office has previously stated that the appellate court ruling was in conflict with several other gun rulings.
Related
Before You Go
