Gun law reciprocity growing for Ohio

July 17, 2004
Youngstown Vindicator

by Mike Braun

Since Ohio's concealed carry weapon law was created earlier this year, there have been eight states which also issue licenses to carry concealed handguns that have signed reciprocity agreements with Ohio.

Such agreements are now in effect with Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Washington and Wyoming.

The agreements came about in part because Ohio's attorney general has the authority to make such pacts under the Ohio Revised Code.

What the AG can do

"The attorney general shall negotiate and enter into a reciprocity agreement with any other license-issuing state under which a license to carry a concealed handgun that is issued by the other state is recognized in this state if the attorney general determines that both of the following apply:

(a) The eligibility requirements imposed by that license-issuing state for that license are substantially comparable to the eligibility requirements for a license to carry a concealed handgun issued under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code.
(b) That license-issuing state recognizes a license to carry a concealed handgun issued under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code."

A full explanation of the reciprocity agreements can be viewed online at www.ag.state.oh.us/ web_applications/concealcarry/reciprocity.asp

Rick Kaleda, Mahoning County Coordinator for Ohioans for Concealed Carry, said the agreements are a step in the right direction for the state and for those who support the CCW law.

"There have been several recent reports talking about the low numbers of
licenses being sought in Ohio as of yet, although the numbers are below some
estimates, they seem to be nearly in line with what the National Rifle Association had anticipated," Kaleda said.

"In the last 2 weeks, Ohio has entered into [reciprocity] agreements with [Delaware], Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Washington, Wyoming, and most importantly, North Carolina and Florida," Kaleda said.

A change of mind possible

"There are many that suggest that many would-be licensees are not applying due to the extensive restrictions Ohio places on the practice, but I think that many, if they were aware of these agreements, might reconsider. I know many people who as non-residents pay in excess of $120 for a Florida license, which is now not necessary to licensed Ohioans," he added.

Additionally, Kaleda said, "Along with this change specific to Ohio, Virginia is now offering licenses to non-residents by mail, [and] the Virginia license is accepted in West Virginia as well."

Furthermore, he explained, Pennsylvania offers non-resident licenses (through the mail possibly as well), so, any Ohioan so motivated can become licensed to not only "carry" here in Ohio, but every state that surrounds (in effect, gaining West Virginia via Virginia).

Also honored

Kaleda said that the Ohio CCW licenses are also honored in a handful of other states that welcome any licensed citizen including Alaska, Utah, Oklahoma, Missouri, Indiana, Tennessee and Vermont. (www.packing.org keeps a running tab on states in regards to which have signed reciprocity and which simply honor the permits, with separate Web pages for each individual state).