This bill passed the House 58-16 and the Senate 20-6.
Victims of domestic violence can obtain a protective order in an effort to stop more or potential abuse from occurring.
However, a court order doesn’t stop a future assault. Orders can be violated. Victims need additional protection to actually deter a future crime.
Enter House Bill 243, sponsored by Representative Sue Duckworth. This bill would allow a person who is issued a protective order to conceal carry a firearm for up to 120 days after the order was issued, without needing a concealed firearm permit.
In a moment of need, a victim isn’t able to go through all the steps required to obtain a concealed firearm permit. Further, complying with that process—taking a class, paying a fee, receiving a card in the mail—might alert the abuser and lead to an assault against the victim.
This law would allow a victim to discretely defend themselves in a meaningful way.
