HB347 has been placed on the House calendar for Wednesday, March 8. Session starts at 1:30 PM.

We would like to thank all our friends in the House for their support, especially Representative Jim Aslanides(R-94), Chairman Bob Latta(R-6), and Speaker Jon Husted (R-37).

Buckeye Firearms Association has endorsed HB347 and encourages all Representatives to vote in favor of this important bill.

Click on read more to learn how to watch session live.

Buckeye Firearms will again be present for this important step in the legislative process, and will post results soon after the vote takes place.

You can also view the session live over the internet. On the right side of the screen, under “Ohio House” click on “Video Stream” to view the session live. If you missed it live, you can view the archive.

On March 7, 2006 the House Criminal Justice Committee was presented Substitute H.B. 347, concealed carry reform. The substitute bill was the result of strenuous efforts by Rep. Aslanides and gun rights groups to address concerns of interested parties while still maintaining as much of the original bill as possible. While many, diverse interests were “at the table” during this process, the substitute bill is still very favorable to gun owners.

Download Substitute HB347 HERE

Click on the "Read More..." link below for complete details.

HB347 passed out of the House Criminal Justice Committee today by a 12-3 vote. The bill now heads to the House floor where it is expected to pass quickly with strong support.

The process is far from over, as the bill will likely undergo changes in the Senate. Buckeye Firearms will continue to keep you informed on the progress of this bill, including the schedule for a vote on the House floor. We are pleased that this important legislation is finally progressing. It is important that legislators continue to receive support from constituents.

Click on the "Read More..." link below for vote totals.

Committee members voting for passage of HB347:
Bob Latta (R-6), Chairman

David Evans (R-71), Vice Chairman

Danny Bubp (R-88)

Steve Buehrer (R-74)

Mike Gilb (R-76)

Ron Hood (R-91)

Jim Hughes (R-22)

Joe Uecker (R-66)

Bill Seitz (R-30)

March 7, 2006
Columbus Dispatch

I respond to the Feb. 21 Dispatch editorial "Aiming to please whom? " I am certain The Dispatch would rally against any issues limiting free speech, yet it prefers to limit, if not forbid, a citizen’s right to bear arms under the U.S. Constitution and Ohio’s concealed-carry law.

The editorial failed to point out that the purpose of House Bill 347 is to correct several obvious problems with the law in its current form. It is important to note that these flaws are unique to Ohio and not present in the laws of 45 other states with concealed-carry.

As for the editorial’s comments on municipalities not having the right to make their own laws regarding concealed-carry, consider the confusion created if cities regulated the age of drivers within city limits, which days odd or even license plate numbers would be allowed to travel, or the color of traffic lights. This is a license issued by the state and should be regulated only by state laws.

Obviously, it is easier to throw together an opinion than to report on the hearings that have been held on the bill.

Of course, that would be publishing facts; opinions are easier!

Ed Killoran
Canal Winchester