A week or so ago Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart got shot down when he announced that he would use LEADS on every applicant (whether in his county or not) to file objections.
From the State NRA Lobbyist:
ISP has said that law enforcement may not use the LEADS system as a means of creating an objection. Essentially, LEADS is the Google of criminal records. And Tom Dart seems to think that he is going to run every applicant through LEADS and then file an objection if there are any hits or incidents documented. ISP is saying that is a no no. And is putting the burden on the LEs to come up with a real reason for an objection. Dart is having a fit.
I think because there's a Federal No-no, re: that pesky consitituion and the like. This was after he got shot down saying he was going to object to every application, and the ISP said you have to have a reason.
From today's ISRA e-mail.
Illinois State Police Says Only Digital/Online ApplicationsTo Be Accepted!
1000s of Illinois citizens won't be able to apply for a concealed carry license, if the Illinois State Police proposed rules and regulations are approved by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules on Dec. 17, 2013. ISP administrators say requiring electronic applications will make it easier for the ISP licensing division and will speed up the application process.
However, 1,000s of Illinois residents do not have computers and internet access, and even if they did, they do not have the technical knowledge to maneuver through the complicated process of creating a digital signature, or scanning and attaching the required documents and photo. The process also requires applicant to set up an online ePay account in order to pay the license fee online with a credit card. This requirement will make it impossible for people who do not use credit cards.
A great many people will be able to navigate the digital process just fine, but there must be a process made available for those without computers/internet/credit cards to fill out a paper application, put it in a paper envelope along with a paper check or money order, and mailed with a paper stamp.
Other problems with ISP's proposed rules:
1. Their definition of a state's carry law needing to be substantially similar to IL nearly rules out all carry licenses for out of state residents. The definition should be that the state preforms a background check, has a reasonable amount of training, and they prohibit people with a mental health problem that show a clear and present danger.
2. ISP goes beyond the law and requires non-law enforcement instructors to have a current carry license but exempts instructors who are law enforcement. The Firearm Concealed Carry Act requires all instructors to be treated equally.
3. ISP has changed the definition of law enforcement official to include only LEOs who are employed, which rules out auxiliary law enforcement officials.
So while not wanting to get smacked with a Federal court case for violating the 4th and 5th Amendments, they are willing risk one (again) on the Second. Although this could also be transferred to voting rights.
Yeah, this is going well....
