Attorney General's Office assures OFCC of on-time implementation

Upon discovery of the following Mt. Vernon News story, Ohioans For Concealed Carry leadership immediately consulted with the Ohio Attorney General's office about it's accuracy.

As of 2:00 p.m., March 18, 2004, the OAG's office has assured OFCC that they have provided everything they are required to provide to the Buckeye State Sheriff's Association, which represents Ohio's 88 sheriffs, and that there will not be a delay.

The OAG's office states that they have done everything necessary to ensure that on April 8, citizens will be able to walk into county sheriff offices with the required materials (including photo and proof of training), and apply for an Ohio concealed handgun license. According to Ohio law, the sheriffs will have up to 45 days to conduct a background check and "issue" the license.

OFCC also contacted the Mt. Vernon News, to provide them an opportunity to publish a correction. The reporter has replied that her story was based on old information, and that a correction will be issued.

March 18, 2004
Mt. Vernon News

Concealed carry: The waiting game

by Ryan Averill
News Staff Writer

MOUNT VERNON — In light of some recent news reports, many Ohioans may be disappointed come April 8. Several sources have led residents to believe that they may be able to get a concealed carry permit application or even the permit itself on or shortly after Ohio’s concealed carry law goes into effect. Unfortunately for those desiring permits, this is not the case.

Kim Norris of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office said the physical elements, such as the paper applications and information pamphlets, will be printed by April 8, but they will not be available to the general public for approximately 60 days after that.

Norris explained that the Attorney General’s office has 30 days after the law goes into effect to come up with a list of rules governing the permit process. It then has 30 days after the rules take effect to get the paperwork out to county sheriffs.

In addition to this 60-day wait, county sheriffs have up to 45 days to approve a permit. This means that even if an individual turns in the first permit application an office receives, he or she may still not get a permit until 45 days later.

Knox County Sheriff David Barber said his office has little information on how the application process is going to work, and won’t have information until sometime after the law goes into effect. Barber has asked that people contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, rather than the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, with questions regarding concealed carry.

In addition, Barber said the KCSO is not providing any required firearms training for permit applicants, nor is it involved with any training. The KCSO will also not endorse or recommend any firearms training programs, facilities or instructors.

For more information about Ohio’s concealed carry law or concealed carry permits, visit the Web site of the Ohio Attorney General at www.ag.state.oh.us.

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