The "de-Tafting" of Ohio's concealed carry laws is nearly complete

by Gerard Valentino and Jim Irvine

When Ohio's concealed carry law passed in 2004, then-Governor Bob Taft made sure to insert poison pills designed to make it nearly impossible for a citizen to carry legally. It took nearly seven years, but as of today, September 30, 2011, the onerous car-carry restrictions that Taft created and that made countless honest Ohioans into felons are being relegated to the political scrap heap.

Ohioans will also be able to carry in restaurants that serve alcohol for consumption, as long as the license holder does not drink and is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Attorney General Mike DeWine (R) has created a new 2011 Concealed Carry Laws Manual that lay out the changes that go into effect today.

Please take the time to read the updated information so you understand the changes and can avoid running afoul of the new law. Anti-self-defense groups are waiting for license holders to screw up, thus "proving" we don't deserve our rights. Such problems by any license holder make it difficult to continue to improve our laws for all license holders. A yearly review of firearms laws is a good way to make sure your daily habits are in line with current law.

Buckeye Firearms Association doesn't anticipate problems, but as with any change in the law, getting the information out to the officer on the street takes time. Please keep that in mind and remember that law enforcement is adjusting to the new law, just as we are. A good attitude and a cooperative demeanor will go a long way toward educating any LEO who has not been properly briefed, and continue to build on the good relationships between law enforcement and citizens who carry firearms for lawful purposes.

The changes that go into effect today are a huge win for the concealed handgun holder. Our laws regarding carrying in an automobile are now consistent with the rest of the country, and the laws regarding carrying in restaurants are similar to the law in over 40 other states. We are given a bit more leeway about the establishment we may carry into, but have a zero consumption rule that most states do not employ. We penalize violations with strict felony provisions, which few if any other states do. Despite the anti-gun zealots promises of "drunks with guns" and a rash of dead police officers, the new concealed carry provisions are reasonable and prudent.

Ohio's restoration of rights statue has been modified so that it finally meets federal requirements so that people whose rights have been restored in Ohio are no longer under a federal firearms disability. In addition, another change relieves people with non-felony drug convictions from firearm disabilities under Ohio law. Persons with a minor misdemeanor drug charge, but no felonies or criminal record, are now permitted to own guns, but still are not eligible for an Ohio concealed handgun license. (They may still obtain and fully use other states' concealed carry licenses, so long as that state does not impose a drug conviction disqualifier.)

The positive changes would not have been possible without the support of the grassroots, otherwise known as average citizens who contacted their elected officials and requested that our laws changed. As we continue our fight to restore rights to all lawful persons, citizen involvement will be key to helping legislators understand how important the changes we seek are to their constituents.

We have received many requests for gatherings with fellow gun owners to commemorate the change in the law. Buckeye Firearms is not sanctioning these events, but several of us will be participating at various locations. Individuals can network with others for friendly locations to enjoy dinner and spend some money on our forums:

http://forums.buckeyefirearms.org/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=12410

Jim Irvine is the Buckeye Firearms Association Chairman. Gerard Valentino is a member of the Buckeye Firearms Foundation Board of Directors.