Restaurant/Car Carry scheduled for hearings in House & Senate; SB61 (Restoration of Rights) scheduled for testimony in Senate

[UPDATED 2/21 to include newly-added House committee hearing.]
[UPDATED 2/22 to reflect a change in Senate hearing meeting location.]

Both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly have scheduled hearings next week on pro-gun legislation supported by Buckeye Firearms Association.

The Senate Judiciary on Criminal Justice Committee, chaired by BFA "A+" -rated Sen. Tim Grendell (R), has scheduled a hearing on Tuesday, February 22 at 4:30 PM in the Senate Building's Finance Hearing Room.

The committee will hear proponent/ opponent/ interested party testimony on SB17, sponsored by Senator Tim Schaffer (R) to allow citizens who hold a valid concealed handgun license (CHL) to carry a firearm in restaurants, and to reduce burdensome restrictions regarding how a license holder must transport a firearm in a car. This will be the second hearing for SB17.

The committee will also hold its second hearing on Sen. Jason Wilson's (D) SB61, which will align Ohio law with federal statutes regarding the restoration of rights to Ohio firearms purchasers. Grendell has asked for proponent/ opponent/ interested party testimony.

Also on Tuesday, the House Committee on State Government and Elections, which is chaired by BFA "A" -rated Rep. Bob Mecklenborg, will hear proponent/ opponent/ interested party testimony on HB45, sponsored by Representatives Danny Bubp (R-West Union) and Terry Johnson (R-McDermott). This is the bill's third hearing in the House. The meeting will be held at 1:30pm in Room 116.

Buckeye Firearms Association Chairman Jim Irvine stated, "The Senate and House have legislation that address the most pressing issues facing those who legally own guns in Ohio. SB17 and HB45 would allow licensed citizens to carry concealed firearms in restaurants and fix burdensome car carry rules. SB61 and HB54 would align Ohio law with Federal statutes and protect citizen rights. We hope they continue to move quickly to pass this legislation, and are encouraged by legislators' assurances that Governor Kasich will sign the bills."

For the full text of the SB17, visit:
http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=129_SB_17

For the full text of the HB45, visit:
http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=129_HB_45

For more information and the full text of the SB61, visit:
http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=129_SB_61