Buckeye Firearms Association Endorses HB347, Sweeping Firearms Law Reform Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2005

CLEVELAND - Buckeye Firearms Association is excited to announce its endorsement of House Bill 347. The bill’s primary sponsor, Representative Jim Aslanides (R-94) of Coschocton, has again taken lead in improving firearms laws in the Ohio House. HB347 has overwhelming support as indicated by the bill's 47 sponsors.

Perhaps the most momentous accomplishment is that HB 347 is a statewide preemption bill. It ensures that firearms laws are uniform throughout the state. 43 states currently have similar laws, and they have proven to be successful and are well accepted by police. This will eliminate problems for all gun owners who have been unduly burdened by local ordinances such as the Columbus’ so-called assault weapons ban or the unjust firearms confiscation and convictions in Toledo. This is crucial to anyone who owns a firearm in Ohio.

"This bill, while sweeping in breadth, is packed with common-sense fixes that help every type of gun owner," observed Ken Hanson, Buckeye Firearms Association Legislative Chair. "HB 347 would be worth passing if the only thing contained in the bill was preemption, which is desperately needed in Ohio. The fact that the bill goes beyond preemption and addresses specific problems that have plagued the law abiding gun owners shows that Rep. Aslanides really understands the plight we are in under current law."

HB347 fixes the most severe problems that have become apparent during the past year and a half as over 60,000 people received their concealed handgun licenses (CHL’s) and began carrying under Ohio’s law. The most common complaint amongst license holders has been the "plain sight" requirement in a motor vehicle. HB347 eliminates that ill-conceived requirement.

Representative Aslanides’ bill goes much further than solving the two biggest problems Ohio gun owners face. It allows people to opt out of having their name and CHL status printed in newspapers and posted on the Internet.

Sheriffs must send renewal notices to CHL holders whose license is expiring, and must accept applications during normal business hours (no appointments). There is an increase in cost to $55 for a license, and new licenses will be valid for five years.

Affirmative defenses have been added for discharging your firearm to defend you life in your car, and law enforcement officers have additional rights.

"The anti-gunners will shriek the same old "blood in the streets" they always do, and will be wrong once again," said Jim Irvine, Chairman of Buckeye Firearms Association. "Instead of problems, several people have survived deadly encounters and returned safely to their family because they properly defended their life. HB347 will become law and encourage more people to get their CHL. By the end of the current session, more that 100,000 people will have a CHL and Ohio will be a safer place to live."

A political action committee founded in 2002, the Buckeye Firearms Association is a non-partisan PAC promoting education and grassroots activism. Buckeye Firearms Association is devoted to improving Ohio laws and regulations pertaining to owning and shooting firearms.

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To download a copy of House Bill 347 in .pdf format, CLICK HERE.

A summary of the changes included in the bill is available HERE.
A list of co-sponsors is available HERE.