State lawmakers may take up various gun control measures during the legislature's two-week veto session, which begins Tuesday. Legislators who are pushing for tweaks to the new concealed carry law are looking to beat the clock before the measure kicks in January 1.

State Rep. Michael Zalewski (D-Chicago) said he believes his legislation to strengthen the state's sentencing laws for gun crimes, requiring offenders to serve at least 85 percent of their sentence, would now garner the 60 votes needed to pass through the House. Both Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy are in favor of the measure. Last week, the Chicago City Council approved a non-binding resolution in support of tightening the state's sentencing laws, calling on the Illinois General Assembly to take action.

Zalewski's measure, which was introduced in the spring session but has been stalled in committee, would require those convicted of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and other felons convicted of using a firearm, to serve 85 percent of their sentences. The pending legislation also includes stricter sentences for those convicted of gun crimes.

“The reception’s been better since we’ve resolved concealed carry. With that being said, we have some votes we have to chase,” Zalewski told the State Journal-Register.

The bill has faced criticism, however, from the John Howard Association and State Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg), who led much of the concealed carry effort in the state, among other opponents. Phleps has voiced concern that they law could adversely affect typically law-abiding gun owners.

“I don’t want law-abiding gun owners who have never done anything wrong or have anything wrong in their background ... to go to jail for three years automatically if they leave their FOID card at home,” the lawmaker said.

Meanwhile, officials with the John Howard Association say the bill could "radically change" laws that are already on the books and prevent judges from having the ablity to opt for more cost-friendly punishments for gun offenses.

On the topic of concealed carry, State Rep. Deborah Conroy (D-Villa Park) said she is looking to rally support for two measures that would make it a felony to carry a firearm near schools and another that would boost the penalties for having concealed guns in places defined under the new law as off-limits.

Additionally, State Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) said she believes the votes are there to pass a bill prohibiting concealed carry in all establishments that serve alcohol. The current bill bans concealed carry in places where sales of alcohol make up 50 percent or more of the establishment's revenue.