Representatives from Ohioans For Concealed Carry and OFCC PAC were on hand today at the Statehouse, as HB12 received it's fifth hearing in the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice.

A summary of the hearing may be accessed by clicking on the "Read More..." link below.

The Columbus Dispatch has printed an excellent story on yesterday's Senate hearing on HB12, complete with a photo of Gahanna Police Chief Dennis Murphy, and Deputy Chief Larry Rinehart, both of whom SUPPORT HB12.

Ohioans should be able to arm themselves against criminals who have no regard for human life or the law, state senators were told yesterday by the deputy police chief of Gahanna, whose sister was murdered two years ago by her estranged husband.

"Criminals carry guns, and they don’t give a hoot what goes on in these chambers,’’ Larry Rinehart told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Criminal Justice, which is considering legislation permitting Ohioans to carry concealed weapons under limited conditions. "Those law-abiding citizens deserve the right to arm themselves.’’

Rinehart’s testimony in favor of House Bill 12 contrasted with the position taken by the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, which consistently has fought the conceal-carry proposal.

A number of women testified that they need a conceal-carry law to protect themselves. They were supported by Rinehart and Gahanna Police Chief Dennis Murphy, who said they would welcome civilians’ help in busting criminals.

"I cannot guarantee the safety of any citizens of Gahanna,’’ Rinehart said. "Safety is a right and responsibility of the individual. Conceal-and-carry is a tool to be used in an emergency.’’

One of the major issues in the battle over the gun bill is whether drivers should have loaded weapons on the seat beside them. Proponents say they need quick access to thwart an assailant. But the State Highway Patrol has insisted that any handgun be locked in a compartment, such as the glove box.

Rinehart said he was told by relatives in San Antonio that they have concealed weapons and carry them while driving to foil would-be carjackers and robbers.

"They said the only time they’re vulnerable is when they’re in their cars, driving around mall parking lots or sitting at traffic lights,’’ he said.

The Gahanna officers said they would feel no less safe with a concealed-weapons law because any law-enforcement officer approaching a car assumes there is a gun inside until proven otherwise.

Click here to read the entire story (subscription site - paid access only), or click on the "Read More..." link below for an archived version, with OFCC PAC commentary inserted.

A letter to the editor in the May 19 Zanesville Times-Recorder gives an interesting account of a recent trip to a Columbus sporting goods store:

"Last Friday I was in a sporting goods store in Columbus, buying some things for a fishing trip... At the counter was a young lady looking at carry guns. I noticed what she, and the sales guy were looking at.

"Too small." I said. "Don't buy anything smaller than a .45 cal."

"But they are so big," she said.

"Look at this," I said (doing the guy's job for him.) "These are the compact models for concealed-carry. You might also look at the titanium .38 special + P, it is light, and will get the job done."

She said, "You seem to know a lot about carry guns!"

I told her that I had a carry permit from the state I moved from, and that I was trying to do my part to see that we get a good carry law in this state.

She told me she had read the whole proposed bill, and how bad the Senate had screwed it up [last December]. She then told me she worked for a Senator - a Democrat - then she paused, and said, "not one of the gun grabbers! We are all for, and want a carry law, but a good one." That was good to hear.

Bill Carper
Philo

This is no time to get over-confident...but it is always nice to hear that a Senator's aide seems to think Ohio law may soon recognize her Constitutional right to self-defense.