FLASH: HB 48 (Eliminate many 'no-guns' victim zones) scheduled for House floor vote – ACTION NEEDED

Substitute House Bill 48 (Eliminate many 'no-guns' victim zones), sponsored by Ron Maag (R-Lebanon), is scheduled for a vote by the full House on Tuesday, November 17, 2015.

The bill, which passed out of the House State Government Committee back in June by a 9-2 vote, seeks to restore Ohioans' right to carry in day-care facilities (unless they post "no-guns"), private airplanes, school safety zones, and in non-secure areas of police stations and airports.

The substitute bill also contains "opt-in" language which would to allow authorities governing college campuses and certain government buildings the ability to allow concealed carry.

Places of worship, which already have the ability to "opt-in," would see no changes under the substitute bill.

Even though this bill enjoyed broad support in committee, the violence that has taken place since, combined by renewed activism by the anti-self-defense groups, have given some legislators concern about their vote on this legislation.

It is important that your State Representative hear from you now. If you are not sure who that is, you can find their information here.

Gun owners seem to be resting on their laurels this year. It’s not enough to have facts on our side when we are outworked by those who seek to disarm us. Please take the time to contact your legislator immediately to ask for their support. It does not matter if they are the most pro-freedom or anti-freedom legislator - everyone needs to hear from their constituents before the vote.

HB 48 reduces or eliminates many victim zones, or locations where a concealed handgun license is not valid. From random acts of violence, to active killers, to terrorist attacks like Paris experienced last week, we know that killers prefer to attack in locations where their victims have been disarmed. HB 48 is a priority bill because it would make many locations less attractive to those who would commit mass murder.

Session is scheduled to start at 1:30 pm. There are several bills on the schedule, some of which may have extensive discussion before being voted on. If you are not able to attend the session, you can view it live here.

Jim Irvine is the Buckeye Firearms Foundation President, BFA PAC Chairman and recipient of the NRA-ILA's 2011 "Jay M. Littlefield Volunteer of the Year Award," the CCRKBA's 2012 "Gun Rights Defender of the Year Award," and the SAF's 2015 "Defender of Freedom Award."