Conference panel aims to forge compromise next week

Gongwer News Service
November 5, 2003

CONFERENCE PANEL AIMS TO TRY AND FORGE COMPROMISE ON CONCEAL-AND-CARRY BILL NEXT WEEK; SPONSOR 'ENCOURAGED'

A joint House-Senate conference committee formed to work out differences on
a bill allowing citizens to carry concealed firearms is expected to meet
Wednesday, Nov. 12, sponsor Rep. James Aslanides (R-Coshocton) said Tuesday.

Mr. Aslanides characterized the hearing as "organizational." He said
panelists would discuss areas of the bill (HB 12) that are ripe for change, including
provisions addressing affirmative defense and limits of CCW in automobiles.
Those issues, described as "holes in the bill" by the sponsor, have been the
focus of contention for months between the State Highway Patrol, the support
of which has been deemed necessary by Governor Bob Taft, and the bill's
supporters in the House.

Mr. Aslanides suggested there has been progress in negotiations even though
he wouldn't provide details. "I'm very encouraged," he said.

"We're having discussions," Mr. Aslanides said. "We're talking with (the Legislative Service Commission) and I know the governor is speaking with the
Highway Patrol."

The sponsor said the House remains concerned with current language regarding
storage in an auto. "We don't like that because it makes it accessible to
everybody in the vehicle," Mr. Aslanides said.

Nonetheless, the House may have to bend more to get a bill passed because the governor has endorsed the Senate version as acceptable in light of a lack of opposition from the State Highway Patrol. In addition, the bill is considered more of a priority in the House than in the Senate or Taft administration.

"None of our positions have changed on this," Taft spokesman Orest Holubec
said Tuesday.

Mr. Holubec said the governor maintains he will only sign a CCW bill that entails background checks and strict training requirements and has the backing of all statewide law enforcement groups.

Senate President Doug White (R-Manchester), who delayed naming conferees to negotiate differences in part because of the governor's reluctance to
embrace suggested House changes, is participating in the committee deliberations.