SPRINGFIELD– Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) praised Senate passage of legislation Friday making Illinois the final state in the nation recognizing the rights of law abiding citizens to carry a concealed weapon.

House Bill 183 passed the Senate 45-12 Friday afternoon with just hours remaining in the spring legislative session. The bill would allow well-trained, responsible residents to obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon. The compromise solution comes 10 days before a federal court mandate to pass Right-to-Carry legislation.

“This legislation has been a long time coming,” said Syverson. “The rights of responsible gun owners have been upheld today by finally bringing Illinois in line with all 49 other states.”

Syverson says the bill is not a perfect solution, but says the bill takes significant steps in protecting the constitutional rights of gun owners.

 “The House is expected to pass this bill and I urge Governor Quinn to sign the legislation into law and move our state forward,” said Syverson.