Senate OKs concealed-carry bill
A much worked-over bill that would allow Ohioans to conceal weapons passed the Senate yesterday, despite lukewarm support from its backers. It may be changed more before it reaches the governor's desk.
Officials from the National Rifle Association - who until Tuesday were the bill's leading proponents - stopped short of opposing the measure but hinted that revisions must be made to win back their support.
Without true NRA support, Sen. Jay Hottinger, R-Newark, called the measure "a bill in search of a constituency."
"No significant organization is calling for its passage," he said.
The bill passed 22-10, with four Republicans voting against the measure. Sen. Mark Mallory, D-Cincinnati, was one of six Democrats to oppose the bill. Cincinnati Republican Sens. Louis Blessing and Robert Schuler voted for the measure, as did Sen. Scott Nein, R-Middletown.
The media has been all over this story over the past few days. We've tried to divide the stories surrounding activities in the Senate up into before, during, and after sections.
Canton Repository pro-CCW editorial
Canton Repository poll - "If legal, will you carry a concealed firearm?"
Columbus Dispatch (subscription site - paid access only)
The following was published by the Gongwer News Service on June 18, and provides good summary of Senate action on HB12.
SENATE APPROVES CONCEALED WEAPONS BILL; CONFERENCE COMMITTEE LIKELY
Senators approved legislation (HB 12) Thursday that allowing permitting all Ohioans who obtain a permit to carry concealed weapons on their persons in certain locations, but the bill’s sponsor said after the vote the measure will likely be reviewed in a conference committee.
The 22-10 vote came after lawmakers expressed differing opinions on whether the bill includes enough or too many restrictions on those who would seek to carry guns.
Senator Steve Austria (R-Beavercreek), chairman of the panel that approved the bill, said the committee crafted a CCW that - for the first time in many years - has a realistic opportunity to become law. He said the measure takes steps to protect the public’s safety in that it includes strict training and competency requirements and demands that permit applicants undergo background checks.
Further, the senator said, the measure requires permitted Ohioans to keep loaded weapons locked in any vehicle with children age 18 or less and specifically prohibits carrying weapons into day care centers, school safety zones and public buildings, including the Statehouse.
Sponsor Jim Aslanides (R-Coshocton) said, however, it’s likely that differences between the chambers will have to be worked out in a conference committee. He said a Senate floor amendment providing an affirmative defense for people who are covered by protective orders provide enough coverage for others who need such a defense.
A spokesman for the State Highway Patrol said after the vote that the patrol remains neutral on the bill even after the amendment. That’s group’s position has been a key factor in guiding Governor Bob Taft’s view of the plan.
Later, an official representing the National Rifle Association said he was pleased that the measure cleared another step in the process, but said his group still has concerns with the proposal. Ohioans for Concealed Carry said the bill does more to endanger Ohioans than protect them.
Senator Eric Fingerhut (D-Shaker Heights) told colleagues that there is no real reason for the state to act on the proposal, given that people who truly need to carry weapons on a daily basis can already do so. He expressed gratitude that the bill prohibits carrying a weapon into public buildings, schools and other locations, but questioned why the exemption was needed if the bill poses no danger to Ohioans. “If we don’t think there’s any danger, why are we exempting these situations,” he asked.
Senator Lynn Wachtmann (R-Napoleon) also opposed the bill, but for vastly different reasons. He said the Senate version is too restrictive, noting that he would favor a “Vermont-style” CCW law. He said Mr. Taft has demanded that the bill address unfounded fears, adding that criminals will now likely seek out victims driving in cars with children, because they know that their weapons must be locked up.
Senator Bob Hagan (D-Youngstown) chided lawmakers for delaying the vote until Wednesday at the request of the NRA. “Who is supposed to run this legislature,” he asked. “We cannot allow this assembly to be taken over by special interests.”
Below is the roll call vote on the bill:
Republicans for (18): Amstutz, Armbruster, Austria, Blessing, Carey, Carnes, Randy Gardner, Robert Gardner, Harris, Hottinger, Jacobson, Jordan, Mumper, Nein, Schuler, Schuring, Stivers & White.
Democrats for (4): Dann, DiDonato, Fedor & Herington
Republicans against (4): Coughlin, Goodman, Spada & Wachtmann
Democrats against (6): Brady, Fingerhut, Hagan, Mallory, Miller & Roberts
Absent (1): Prentiss
- 1777 reads
