Gun law can't require Social Security number

You heard it here first, over a month ago...

July 7, 2004
Cincinnati Post (click for complete story)

With nearly three months elapsed since the state's new concealed-carry law took effect, a Mount Lookout architect has shown that it's still possible to fight city hall, or in this case the statehouse.

William J. Miller Sr., 74, said he's glad the Ohio Auditor's Office has clarified the new law in a statement that says sheriff's departments cannot demand Social Security numbers from permit applicants.

"Although voluntary, disclosing a Social Security number (however) greatly facilitates the background checks that must be conducted before a license can be issued," the statement from Auditor Jim Petro's office said.

Calling the development "a beginning," Miller said he would still like to see Petro oppose the practice. "I think it ought to be removed. Saying that it's voluntary gives the implication that it's legal, but it's not legal."

Although others voiced concerns, Miller wrote to Petro and state Rep. Bill Seitz after the law went into effect April 8. When he got no satisfaction, he wrote U.S. Attorney Greg Lockhart, saying a 1974 federal privacy law was being violated. Improperly using Social Security numbers is a felony under a section of the law.

The privacy law allows the government to use Social Security numbers to collect taxes and administer driver's licenses and public assistance programs.

A spokesman for the group Ohioans for Concealed Carry, which went on record against the use of Social Security numbers in applications when the House was drafting concealed carry legislation, said Wednesday the organization is pleased with Petro's clarification.

"OFCC's position on the issue of Social Security numbers was that federal law should be followed," said spokesman Chad Baus. "It is a violation of federal law to mandate that applicants provide their Social Security number on a concealed handgun license application."

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office had accepted 881 applications through June 30. It had issued 775 permits and rejected 20 applications. Eighty-six applications were being processed. In Clermont County, 1,431 applications had been received; 1,343 permits had been issued and seven applications had been rejected.

Related Story:
Ohio Attorney General: Social Security Number on CHL application ''voluntary''