Hearings begin again on concealed weapon bill

COLUMBUS -- A bill to issue concealed weapons permits to Ohioans began another round of hearings in the House Tuesday, featuring a quick debate sparked by Democrats.

Rep. Jim Aslanides, R-Coshocton, repeated his belief to House committee members that the issue is critical to protect the rights and safety of Ohio residents.

"The right to carry a hand gun allows individuals, common folk, you, to immediately respond to a life-threatening situation," he said. "Withholding this right is to leave the citizen defenseless until the police or other law enforcement arrives, and we know they cannot be everywhere."

The concealed weapons bill was among the most debated topics in the House last year, and the issue has commanded dozens of hearings in both chambers dating back to 1995.

Click here to read the full story in the Coshocton Tribune.

Other news outlets covering the story:

Cincinnati WCPO.com: Concealed Weapons Bill Back, With Court Ruling Pending

Toledo WTOL.com: Concealed Weapons

Columbus Dispatch: Revised concealed-weapons bill unveiled

Ohio News Network: Concealed Carry Bill Back Before Statehouse Committee

Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Hearings begin again on gun bill

Canton Repository: Concealed weapons bill back, with court ruling pending