SPRINGFIELD, IL (IRN) - A federal appeals court has rejected Illinois’ request to reconsider a ruling that found the state’s concealed carry weapons ban unconstitutional.

The Illinois attorney general had asked for the entire 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to consider the case after a three-judge panel in December gave lawmakers until June to legalize the concealed carry of firearms, arguing that the ruling conflicts with decisions by other federal appellate courts and goes beyond what the Supreme Court of the United States has held.

Today, the Seventh Circuit announced that it declined to hear the case en banc, meaning with all judges instead of the three-judge panel.

State Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook) won’t say directly if the attorney general should take the issue to the U.S. Supreme Court, but says another ruling may warrant it being heard by the high court.

“I understand that the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals also issued an opinion today saying that there was no fundamental right to bear arms outside of the home. That indicates that there may be a conflict among the circuits, which may warrant an appeal to the Supreme Court,” Nekritz said.

Todd Vandermyde, lobbyist for the National Rifle Association, says the NRA is ready for a fight if Illinois appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court. The attorney general “could decide to appeal this to the United States Supreme Court. Please do,” Vandermyde said. “Let her take it up there and we’ll see about getting this thing settled finally.”

He adds that the court’s ruling reinforces to state lawmakers that they have until June 8 to legalize the concealed carry of firearms.