Attorney General Mike DeWine uses occasion of annual ice cream social to publicly announce support for HB495

by Chad D. Baus

The many gun owners who accepted Buckeye Firearms Association's invitation to thank Attorney General Mike DeWine (R) for his work for gun owners in the AG's office by joining him and wife Fran at their Greene County home for an Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social on June 24 enjoyed more than an old fashioned country picnic complete with ice cream and homemade pies.

During comments made publicly at the event on his work in the Attorney General's office, DeWine spoke about concealed carry reciprocity and announced his support for HB495, "current legislation that passed the Ohio House."

HB495, which passed the Ohio House on June 13 by a 59 - 28 margin, makes three changes to current law:

• Changes to automatically honor other states licenses, similar to a driver's license
• Eliminates the "demonstrated competency" requirement for 2nd and future CHL renewals, making CHL training similar to a hunting license
• Fixes the definition of a "loaded gun" to match the commonly accepted definition

"Since taking office, I have worked to expand the number of reciprocity agreements with other states including Louisiana, New Mexico and Kansas for Ohio's concealed handgun license-holders," said Attorney General DeWine. "We will keep working to add more states whose CCW requirements are similar to ours."

The bill now awaits the attention of the Ohio Senate, and Buckeye Firearms Association is pleased to have Attorney General DeWine's support as we work with the Republican-led Senate to see this bill passed and sent to the governor's desk before the November elections.

DeWine was also gracious in recognizing BFA leaders who were able to attend, including Larry Moore, Rick Jones, and BFA Chairman Jim Irvine.

As a recent Toledo Blade article proves, there is demand in Ohio for a license that is more user-friendly (i.e. reduces cumbersome training requirements and eliminates complicated renewal processes) and which is recognized in more states.

If Ohio legislators wish to reduce the demand for out-of-state licenses, they should continue the work of improving our law to make it more user-friendly. The Ohio House has already acted on the next step by passing HB495, and the Ohio Senate should move the bill this fall and send it to the governor's office for his signature.

Contact your State Senator and Senate President Tom Niehaus, and ask them for hearings and a vote on HB495 when they return from summer break.

Chad D. Baus is the Buckeye Firearms Association Vice Chairman.