We have posted a downloadable version of Substitute HB274, as adopted by the Senate Judiciary Committee (Civil Justice) on our website.

Changes introduced Tuesday to concealed-and-carry gun legislation have won acceptance from the Ohio FOP, a move that could eventually lead to legislation Gov. Bob Taft would sign.

Taft's support is not assured, however. He has a list of additional changes he would like to see and even then, is making no guarantees he would sign a bill into law, said Joe Andrews, Taft's spokesman.

"He’s asking for these changes to be put into place, and he’s talking to law enforcement officers," Andrews said.

No group is completely satisfied, but Sen. Jeff Jacobson, R-Butler Twp. said he's confident the bill is a good compromise.

Click here to read the entire story in the Dayton Daily News.

The Ohio Fraternal Order of Police withdrew its objections to a bill allowing citizens to carry concealed handguns after a Senate committee made major revisions, including required fingerprinting of all gun permit applicants.

Supporters hailed the FOP decision as a boost in passing the new law.

Joe Andrews, a spokesman for Mr. Taft, said the governor is reviewing the changes and will meet with representatives of the FOP, highway patrol and other law enforcement groups before announcing his opinion of the bill.

GOP leaders hope to put the measure before the full Senate for a vote on Thursday, and possibly on the governor's desk by next week.

Bill author Rep. Jim Aslanides, R-Coshocton, said he is optimistic that any remaining opposition by law enforcement wouldn't derail the measure. "In every state where this was passed, the chiefs of police were against it," he said. "This bill is a good bill. It has provisions within it that I hope would make it difficult for the governor not to sign."

Click here to read the entire story in the Cincinnati Enquirer.

The Ohio Fraternal Order of Police, a union representing 24,000 current and former officers, withdrew its opposition yesterday to a controversial bill allowing Ohioans to carry concealed handguns.

Supporters of the bill believe the move is significant in that Gov. Bob Taft has vowed to veto the measure without the support of law enforcement. The FOP assumed a position of neutrality, but fell just short of voicing outright support.

Spokesman Mike Taylor said the organization had become "comfortable" with the bill.

The governor’s office was negotiating with the Senate and meeting with representatives of law-enforcement organizations as the rhetoric against the bill softened.

"As the police organizations become more comfortable with it, he will at least be willing to look at it," said Taft spokesman Joe Andrews. He said the governor is seeking some changes, including a provision requiring gun dealers to offer trigger locks for sale when they sell firearms.

"Even if they put all these things in, it doesn’t necessarily mean he will sign the bill," said Mr. Andrews.

Click here to read the entire story in the Toledo Blade.

Citing proposed training requirements that would be among the nation's toughest, the Fraternal Order of Police ended its long-held opposition to a bill that would allow most Ohioans to carry concealed handguns.

Supporters hope the police union's neutrality will help win the approval of Gov. Bob Taft, who has opposed past concealed weapons legislation but continues to negotiate with Senate leaders over the latest bill.

Click here to read the entire story from the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Key Senate revisions in a concealed-weapons bill yesterday caused a major police group to drop its opposition and Gov. Bob Taft to list, for the first time, some restrictions the legislation must include if he is to support it.

The Fraternal Order of Police, which represents 24,000 officers, dropped its opposition yesterday, saying it now is neutral. The National Rifle Association, representing 200,000 Ohioans, essentially declared victory.

John Hohenwarter, a Midwest regional lobbyist for the NRA, and Rep. James Aslanides, R-Coshocton, the House sponsor, predicted the Senate version would be approved by the House and signed by Taft.

Click here to read the entire story from the Columbus Dispatch (subscription site - paid access only), or click on the "Read More..." link below for an archived version of the story.