Governor, House working on new CCW compromise
December 18, 2003
Gongwer News Service
Officials representing Governor Bob Taft and majority House Republicans are back at the negotiating table in an effort to resolve continuing differences on legislation that would allow law-abiding Ohioans to carry concealed weapons.
Mr. Taft said Thursday he would like to be able to sign a measure that grants the ability to carry weapons, but said the current version of the legislation (HB 12) on its way to desk doesn't provide a sufficient opportunity for members of the media to review data regarding permits that have been granted.
"At this point, it's up to the House to determine whether they want a bill or not," Mr. Taft said. "We're very close."
Dwight Crum, spokesman for Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford), confirmed that staff have been working on resolving the differences.
"I am very concerned about the public records issue from the standpoint of making sure that we hold the system accountable for the right people getting the permits and the wrong people not getting the permits," the governor said.
"We want law abiding citizens to be able get the permits to be able to protect themselves without providing permits to people that have criminal records criminal records. The best way to ensure the system is working in that regard is to have a certain amount of scrutiny."
If an agreement is reached, Mr. Taft said it's likely the legislature would have to pass a new, freestanding bill with the new provisions.
Senate President Doug White (R-Manchester) said this week that there seems to be more support in his chamber to override the veto of MR/DD legislation (SB4) than the gun bill. He noted that a handful of his members might be hesitant to override the governor, given that he holds the key to appointing them to positions after their legislative careers.
"You've got several of my 'yes' votes who are term-limited and are looking for life after the Legislature," Senator White said. "Even though they voted 'yes' on the bill, they are not going to vote to override. You may not like it, but it's part of politics."
Senator White noted that one Republican, Senator James Carnes of St. Clairsville, had voted yes on the CCW conference report, but had already secured a recent appointment as a Department of Natural Resources official from Mr. Taft. However, Senator Carnes' likely replacement, Joy Padgett of Coshocton, carried the original CCW legislation when she served in the House.
Commentary by Chad D. Baus:
Term-limited Senators claiming to be pro-gun and pro-concealed carry have no excuse for why they would be willing to vote to override Gov. Taft on the MR/DD bill and not on HB12. Senator White's reasoning - vote trading for job appointments - just doesn't wash if these Senators are in fact willing to override on another bill. The question remains - are there really six Senators unwilling to override Taft on HB12?
It is worth noting that the MR/DD bill has been identified as being extremely important to Senator White. White has seemed much less willing to lead when it comes to House Bill 12, and is refusing to say whether or not he is willing to vote to override a Taft veto on this bill.
Related Stories: Senate Veto-Override Outlook
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