Illinois House Bill 4290, the bill that would jail fraudulent concealed carry instructors for knowingly providing fraudulent training, will be considered next week in the Illinois Senate.
It passed the Illinois House 109-2 at the end of March.
It is expected to pass the Senate overwhelmingly.
Some are opposing the bill, citing concerns about false allegations, etc.
Guns Save Life has supported this bill since it was introduced in the Illinois House months ago.
There are too many concealed carry instructors in Illinois who are woefully substandard in their training.
Let’s skip the debate over whether the training is constitutional, or even necessary… it’s what the state has promulgated in order for us to get a carry license. If you don’t like the hoops created by the General Assembly, then work to change the law. We’ll support your endeavor, no matter how Quixotic it is.
We’re not talking about being a half-hour short of instruction because of lunch breaks, but rather instructors who:
1. Provide certification without students ever even stepping foot into a classroom or a range.
2. Allow students to complete the qualification shoot using AirSoft pistols and laser training guns.
3. Dismiss their classes hours early “because they’ve covered all of the requirements” (never mind the requirements say X many hours of instruction are required).
4. Offer training “online” in violation of explicit NRA policies on the topic of “online” firearm training.
5. Continue to train people after their credentials have been revoked.
Yes, it’s high time the Illinois State Police have some real teeth behind the enforcement of the minimum standards.
We don’t need to shield, hide or cover for bad instructors.
They need to be identified, arrested, decertified and punished for defrauding the public.
I’ve taken more than one call today about GSL’s position on the matter. Two of the individuals were self-identifying themselves as fellow instructors. While one seemed disappointed, one in particular was very upset that GSL was supporting this bill. I have to wonder if his name might have been James Andel.
Yes, Illinois’ training requirement is excessive, onerous, burdensome and probably unconstitutional.
Until and unless a court determines the requirement unconstitutional, we have a moral and ethical duty to conduct ourselves in a lawful manner and call out those who break the law – particularly when the lawbreakers are doing so for personal financial gain.
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