State Rep. Deborah Conroy proposes increase in gun penalties

An Illinois lawmaker wants to increase penalties for gun owners who illegally carry firearms into schools.

State Rep. Deborah Conroy is introducing a proposal that would make carrying guns into Illinois schools a felony. That includes pre-schools up to colleges and universities. Currently, first and second-time offenders are charged with a misdemeanor.

Another measure introduced by the Democrat from Villa Park increases fines for carrying guns into prohibited places from $150 to $500. Fines currently go to a state mental health fund.

Conroy says this proposal is about providing more money to cover mental health services. She says the current amount is too low.

The bill is in a House committee with other proposals changing the concealed carry law passed last year.

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The bills are HB3669 and HB3675.