HB12 Sponsor Jim Aslanides publishes revealing op-ed

Rep. Jim Aslanides has published an excellent opinion editorial that addresses the current status of House Bill 12, and reveals the underhanded practices which the Governor and Ohio State Highway Patrol have resorted to in order to try and deny your right to self-defense.

One of his most interesting revelations is that "the Governor's office at no time provided direct input on the course of the legislation" in the House. Aslanides also reminds his constituents that Senate leaders had, for months, been promising that Taft would not be considered when drafting amendments.

Click on the "Read More..." link below to read the entire op-ed.

Concealed carry is a hot issue

By Rep. Jim Aslanides

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C O L U M N

Over the course of the past several days, much activity has been occurring with Sub. HB 12, the concealed carry weapons bill that I am proud to be the chief sponsor of. As has been reported in the media, the bill has yet to become law due to some unfortunate disagreement from the interested parties involved.

When Sub, HB 12 passed the House floor in March of this year, I believe it was a fair and balanced piece of legislation. As House members, we listened to the concerns of various groups such as the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), among, others. The issues these organizations brought up to us were addressed in the House Criminal Justice Committee. As the bill worked its way through the committee process, the Governor's office at no time provided direct input an the course of the legislation. We were hopeful that when Sub. HB 12 moved over to the Senate, it could remain a bill that was palatable to the citizens of our state. It was our understanding that language adding provisions of gun locks in a motor vehicle were off the table. In addition, the Senate made it clear that the bill would move with or without the support of the State Highway Patrol.

In the last several days, the Governor's office and the Highway Patrol have aggressively lobbied the Senate. Provisions were added that included new language involving firearms in motor vehicles. Also included was the removal of affirmative defenses in motor vehicles. In the court system in our state, citizens are currently given the opportunity to declare an affirmative defense in a vehicle if they are found carrying a firearm. Cases in which affirmative defense has been successfully defended include citizens who are being stalked and citizens who must carry large amounts of cash on them for their occupation. Under the Senate's change. Ohio's citizens would lose their ability to use this defense when necessary. These last minute changes came as a surprise and I cannot support them. The many changes under the Senate have created a bill that would be the most restrictive, conceal carry legislation in the nation.

During the 124th General Assembly, House Bill 274 (my previous CCW bill) died because of disagreement between the Governor's office and the House over having to keep weapons locked in a glove box in a vehicle. With Sub. HB 12, concessions were made in the Senate to appease the Governor's office and Highway Patrol on this provision. However, out of nowhere, the Governor's office and Highway Patrol insisted on this new provision that strips Ohioans of their existing rights. I am not interested in taking away rights that citizens already have. Unfortunately, these new and unnecessary changes have created a dramatically different bill. In the near future, I greatly look forward to working with all interested parties, including the Governor's office, Highway Patrol and Senate to find Compromise. However, the specific changes I've written of need to be taken out in my testimony before the House in March on the bill, I stated that there is no compelling reason to deny Ohioans the right to protect themselves, as American citizens have the right to do in 44 other states. I hope the other interested parties we've had disagreements with recognize this as well and step up to the table to re-create a bill worthy of Ohio's citizens.

Jim Aslanides is a State Representative for the 94th District and Coshocton.

Click here to read the op-ed in the Cochocton Tribune.