A U.S. Appeals Court voted down the nation's last concealed carry ban yesterday, and set up the possibility of a legal battle since Illinois could fight to keep the law in place. 

A 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel voted 2-1 to toss out the law and allow people to carry a concealed weapon for self-defense outside of the home. The panel said state lawmakers have 180 days to figure out a way to let people carry concealed weapons in the state.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan says her office is studying its options in terms of responding the to the decision. The state could call for a rehearing, ask for a decision from the full complement of 7th U.S. Circuit Court judges, or appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. 

“I expect a battle,” said House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, who is an ardent gun control advocate. “The proponents of concealed carry have not yet carried the day.”

Gov. Pat Quinn, a supporter of gun control, says he will assist lawmakers in coming up legislation that keeps the public safe. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel also opposes concealed carry, saying he was "disappointed with the court's decision." In March, the Chicago City Council approved a resolution that cites their disdain for any state law that allows people to carry firearms in public.