Proposed legislation would expand concealed weapons in Ohio

COLUMBUS (AP) — Concealed weapons would be permitted in places such as colleges and day cares and on private aircraft, under legislation approved by an Ohio House committee today.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ron Maag, a Republican from Lebanon in southwest Ohio, still permits those places to ban guns if they want. An updated version of the bill removed houses of worships from the list of places where the weapons would be allowed.

The bill only applies to people allowed to carry concealed weapons under law, Maag said in testimony earlier this year.

“It is meant to facilitate lawful gun ownership so that citizens are able to protect themselves and their family from crime,” Maag said.

The bill keeps a ban on concealed weapons in government buildings unless an agency decides to allow them. The House State Government Committee passed the measure 8-2.

The Ohio Association of Police Chiefs and the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association opposed the proposal. It’s supported by the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association.