Earlier this month, a bill was introduced in the Ohio House that would allow concealed carry of a firearm without a permit or currently required training. House Bill 147 proposes that any individual at least 21 years old may be allowed to carry a concealed weapon not specifically outlined as illegal, and that an individual would not need prior licensure or a background check. The bill similarly prohibits landlords from preventing tenants from having guns and law enforcement from searching or detaining any person just because they are carrying a firearm.
The bill has received praise from gun-rights advocates as a further affirmation of Second Amendment rights. Many critics, however, fear that this measure would make concealed carry much more dangerous, since inexperienced users would no longer be required to undergo training. Also, the removal of background check provisions could allow dangerous people with criminal or unstable backgrounds to more easily carry a weapon. Some traditional supporters of concealed carry have exhibited hesitation at letting people carry a gun without the current eight hours of required training (recently lowered from twelve).
Will the Bill Pass?
While similar bills have been introduced in legislative sessions in the past with no results, this bill may actually have momentum. Five states around the country have already passed these types of concealed carry laws. Ten others are currently considering such legislation.
Within Ohio, there has been mixed response to this bill, which means that public opinion could ultimately push the bill either way. According to Jim Irvine, chairman of the Buckeye Firearms Association, the bill may or may not pass in this legislative session, but he does believe that concealed carry without a permit will eventually happen. Opponents of the bill have expressed a similar lack of sureness as to whether or not the bill will gain traction during this session.
In the end, we will simply have to wait and see what happens. So far little progress had been made with the bill either way. In the meantime, the law still requires a proper license for concealed carry. Weapons charges could mean losing your right to carry a firearm, so they should be taken seriously. If you have any questions about your gun rights in Ohio or if you need an experienced Ohio gun charges lawyer to help with your weapons-related case, contact us at Luftman, Heck & Associates by calling (614) 500-3836 today. We are ready to help fight for your rights and get your case the best outcome possible.
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