Beginning on January 5, 2014, individuals in Illinois can apply for permits allowing them to carry concealed weapons under the recently passed Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Business owners can prohibit the carrying of concealed weapons on company property if they post a sign indicating that the carrying of firearms is prohibited at the location.

The Illinois State Police has proposed rules for the standardized signs that must be present at any place of business that wishes to prohibit concealed weapons. The rules are as follows: sign requires a white background; no text (except the reference to the Illinois Code 4307 ILCS 66/1) or marking within the one-inch area surrounding the graphic; a depiction of a handgun in black ink with a circle around and diagonal slash across the firearm in red ink; and the image must be 4 inches in diameter. The sign in its entirety must measure 4 in x 6 in. A larger sign is permissible if the property owner believes the entrance of the building requires it. More information regarding the Illinois State Police’s proposed rules and an image of the suggested graphic can be found at www.isp.state.il.us/media/pressdetails.cfm?ID=762.