Rep. Shirkey offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 199.  

            A resolution to urge the state of Illinois to recognize Michigan concealed pistol license holders as being automatically legal to carry concealed handguns in the state of Illinois.

            Whereas, The Illinois Legislature recently enacted House Bill 183, the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, authorizing appropriately licensed Illinois residents to carry concealed handguns. Illinois has now joined with 49 states that issue concealed carry licenses to qualified residents, creating an opportunity for citizens throughout the country to preserve their right to self-defense regardless of the state in which they travel; and

            Whereas, Illinois' new law provides for a non-resident Illinois concealed carry license if the non-resident's home state's concealed carry license laws are "substantially similar" to Illinois' law, but many have interpreted the language to read that all out-of-state residents would still have to apply for a separate non-resident license. The Illinois State Police will have to review Michigan's Concealed Pistol License (CPL) law to determine if it is substantially similar. However, Illinois is in a position to automatically recognize the existing CPL licenses of Michigan residents in order to enhance safety and eliminate burdensome and unnecessary over-regulation; and

            Whereas, Michigan's CPL law provides appropriate safety measures to ensure those not qualified to carry concealed pistols do not receive a license. Michigan law requires an applicant to be lawfully able to possess, sell, or purchase a firearm and reflects, via a thorough background check, whether the applicant has or has not been convicted of felonies or other serious crimes; and

            Whereas, Despite many aspects of Michigan's CPL law being substantially similar to Illinois law, Michigan license holders would still likely need to apply for a separate Illinois non-resident license and pay a substantial fee. As is the case in most reciprocity agreements throughout the nation, Illinois could allow Michigan CPL holders to carry legally in the state of Illinois without obtaining an additional non-resident license, as Michigan allows Illinois license holders to carry in Michigan; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That in the spirit of cooperation and reciprocity, we respectfully urge the state of Illinois to recognize lawful Michigan concealed pistol license holders as being automatically legal to carry concealed handguns in their state; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the Illinois Senate, the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, the Illinois Attorney General and the director of the Illinois State Police.