Cincy Enquirer: FOP backing concealed-carry bill

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."

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