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Wednesday, March 14: HB347 takes effect today

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Submitted by cbaus on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 23:15.

The long awaited end to one of the dumbest
provisions of Ohio's original concealed carry law is here.

For the first time in the almost three years since Ohio's concealed
carry law took effect, CHL-holders are no longer required to carry
their holstered firearm in "plain sight" while in a motor vehicle.
The unpopular, unsafe requirement was struck from Ohio's law by HB347,
a bill which became law despite a gubernatorial veto last December.

Click 'Read More' for the entire story.

Other
changes include:

  • License holders may now carry in an unlocked closed purse or bag so
    long as the purse or bag is closed with a snap, buckle or zipper and is in plain sight.

  • Concealed Handgun Licenses (CHLs) issued under the new law are good
    for 5 years versus 4 years under current law. The application fee
    increases to $55.

  • Sheriffs must accept applications for CHLs at least 15 hours per
    week (and applications for Temporary Emergency Licenses (TELs) during
    normal business hours), ending the administrative harassment some
    counties were imposing upon applicants.

    For a further summary of the legislation, and to download a copy of
    the Act, click here.

    Let us be clear. Ohio law is by no means "fixed". Many
    more onerous restrictions remain. It is important that Ohio gun
    owners and CHL-holders understand all the rules.

    Today also marks the beginning of statewide preemption of firearms
    laws. Local regulation of firearms is now completely preempted at the
    State level, ending cities ability to enforce a patchwork quilt of
    firearm laws across Ohio.

    While the intent of the law is that firearms laws be the same
    throughout the Buckeye state, that does not mean that any cities have
    repealed their firearm restrictions. Until they do, or court cases
    set a clear precedent, caution is advised. Don't be a test case. (Fortunately, HB347 makes the award of attorney fees mandatory for any
    group that successfully challenges a municipal firearm ordinance,
    meaning cities that attempt defiance of this provision will
    financially pay for their obstinance.)

    Ohio is one of only four states that still cling to "home rule",
    giving local municipalities (and their media apologists) the false
    impression they can trump state law. It is fully expected that two or
    more Ohio cities will join forces in an effort to challenge the
    statewide preemption portion of this law in court.

    Stay tuned to this website for updates on legal challenges to HB347. To receive notification by email, click here.

    Media coverage:

    Associated Press:

  • The latest biased anti-gun wire report is being republished across the state ad nauseum - "Law change will allow motorists to have hidden guns"

    Ohio News Network:

  • VOTE the Ohio News Network Poll - Should Ohioans be allowed to carry concealed weapons in their vehicles? (UPDATE: the poll was pulled from the ONN website with results running 96% - 4% in favor of CCW in cars)
  • WATCH Silverton, OH Police Chief say the new law will make officers' jobs safer - Should Ohioans be allowed to carry concealed weapons in their vehicles?

    Toledo Blade:

  • READ as anti-gun Police Chief Navarre laments the loss of Toledo's gun control ordinances while failing to explain how impotent they were at stopping crime - Ohio ends 'plain sight' handgun provision

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