The bill would allow the legal argument that it is ok to violate local gun restrictions to shoot someone in self-defense.

The measure was approved by a House committee Friday and now goes to the House floor. It is similar to a bill approved earlier by a Senate committee.

Opponents worry the change would open the door for people to carry guns in public. They also say the state should not interfere with local attempts to regulate guns.

The bills are a response to the case of a suburban Chicago man who in late December shot an intruder in his home.

Local officials charged him with violating the city's ban on handguns, although the charges were later dropped.