COLUMBUS FOP: New form of concealed-gun bill is better

The state highway patrol remains opposed to legislation.
By MICHELE C. HLADIK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBUS -- One of the state's leading police organizations stopped just short of offering its support for legislation that would allow Ohioans to carry concealed handguns.
Mike Taylor, state secretary for the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio, wouldn't say his group supports the bill, but he did say he believes many in the organization would not oppose the newest form of the legislation introduced Tuesday.
Taylor said that the FOP would like to see more stringent legislation on the issue but that the group is trying to be reasonable.
The substitute bill would allow Ohioans to carry a concealed firearm with a permit. Obtaining the permit would involve a background check.
Under the bill's newest version, fingerprints and Social Security numbers would be required for a background check before a permit is issued. The fingerprints would then be destroyed.
Taylor said the bill was improved by provisions that prohibit fugitives and those convicted of assaulting a peace officer from obtaining a permit.
People convicted of violent misdemeanors can apply to obtain a permit to carry only after 10 years.
Training requirement
The bill also provides for training, which Taylor said was increased in the newer version. He said the substitute bill requires 12 hours of training and includes range training and information on when the use of deadly force is acceptable. The applicant also must be able to demonstrate proficiency with the firearm.
The bill further restricts where the concealed firearms could be carried. Taylor said the version passed by the Ohio House would allow guns to be carried into unsecured areas of police departments, jails or courthouses. Under the current version, that would not be allowed.
John Hohenwarter Jr., state liaison for the National Rifle Association of America, said that the legislation doesn't contain everything that each side of the issue wants but that it's a good compromise.
Other groups continue to oppose the legislation, including the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Ohio Gun Rights Coalition and the Gun Owners of America.
"What the Ohio Senate is proposing is insane," said Dough Joseph, executive director of the Ohio Gun Rights Coalition, in a prepared statement. "It is a bill that no one wants but will negatively impact everyone. This dangerous, freedom-destroying gun control scheme needs to be voted down now."
Hohenwarter said he believes Gov. Bob Taft will sign the bill if it is approved by the state Legislature.
Taft spokesman Joe Andrews said the governor has some concerns about the substitute bill and will meet with Ohio law enforcement officials to solicit their opinions.
In the past, Taft has threatened to veto the legislation if it is not approved by the state's major police organizations.
Lt. Gary Lewis, an OSHP spokesman, said the patrol continues to oppose the legislation because it would still allow people to carry a loaded firearm within a vehicle's passenger area. He said it is not safe for law enforcers or the motoring public to give easy access to loaded guns while on the road.
"The potential is endless," he said, adding there are too many incidents of road rage and people being pushed to the limits while driving.
The bill is scheduled for a possible Senate vote Thursday.
If approved by the Ohio Senate, the changes to the bill would still require a vote of the House.