Governor John Kasich signs Am. HB495; Ohio's concealed carry and firearms laws continue to be improved

On Thursday, December 20, Governor John Kasich (R) signed amended House Bill 495 into law.

HB495, sponsored by Rep. Terry Johnson (R), makes three changes to current law:

• Eliminates the "demonstrated competency" requirement for second and future CHL renewals, making CHL training similar to a hunting license.
• Fixes the definition of a "loaded gun" to match the commonly accepted definition.
• Allows law-abiding gun owners to have their firearms stored in their cars in the state-owned parking garages such as the one under the Statehouse.

"This represents a dramatic improvement to the law," said Jim Irvine, Buckeye Firearms Association Chairman. "We solved the critical issues of removing the ill-conceived 'demonstrated competency' for renewals that start next month, and achieved a workable definition of a "unloaded firearm.'"

The law, which received bi-partisan approval in the House (66-23) and Senate (26-7), will take effect on March 27, 2013.

To contact Rep. Johnson to thank him for sponsoring this important legislation, and to thank Governor Kasich for signing it, please click here.

While you're there, use the Action Alerts to send a thank you to Representatives and Senators who voted for the bill!