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Bill would allow vets to carry guns without additional training
By Marc Kovac
COLUMBUS
Qualified veterans would be allowed to obtain licenses to carry concealed firearms without completing additional training, under legislation approved by the Ohio House.
House Bill 235 also would waive concealed-carry license fees for active or reserve members of the armed forces and for veterans.
The legislation passed on a vote of 92-2 Wednesday and heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.
“These men and women are our veterans; they’ve received expert training on pistol and/or rifle,” said Rep. Lou Terhar, R-Cincinnati, the bill’s primary sponsor. “And all of them who have an honorable discharge have a DD214 or its equivalent, which is valid certification of meeting training requirements.”
HB 235 would remove training requirements for military men and women who have retired or been honorably discharged, so long as they can provide documentation of their military training.
The bill also would waive the $67 concealed-carry application fee for active members of the military and those who have retired or been honorably discharged.
“The weapons training provided in the armed forces is akin to riding a bicycle,” Terhar said. “Once you’ve learned it, you won’t forget it. Our experienced military and veterans deserve to have their training recognized.”