Gannett: Committee works on concealed carry bill compromise

By JIM SIEGEL
Gannett News Service
November 8, 2003

COLUMBUS -- A joint House-Senate committee formed to work out a compromise on the concealed handgun bill will meet for the first time Tuesday, and the chairman says he's preparing new ideas.

"All parties agree there are holes in this bill that need to be fixed. That's a good thing," said Rep. Jim Aslanides, R-Coshocton, who as bill sponsor is heading the committee.

The bill requires county sheriffs to issue concealed handgun permits to anyone age 21 or over who passes a criminal background check and a 12-hour training course.

Debate remains not so much between the House and Senate, but rather between the House and Gov. Bob Taft, who refuses to sign a bill that's opposed by law enforcement.

House members, including Speaker Larry Householder, R-Glenford, refuse to go along with the Senate bill Taft said he will sign. Senate leaders have refused to override a Taft veto. (emphasis added)

Click on the "Read More..." link below for more.

The key roadblock has been thrown up by the Ohio Highway Patrol, which wants to see guns in vehicles them limited as much as possible. Those concerns have formed the major sticking points of the bill.

The Senate version eliminates for vehicle occupants a law called affirmative defense, which allows a person to carry a handgun without a permit if he or she faces potential danger or performs a dangerous job, such as transporting money.

The Senate bill also requires that guns be locked away if anyone in the car is under age 18, and that the gun be placed in plain view if an officer pulls over the vehicle.

Aslanides argues that from a safety standpoint, it makes little sense to move a gun into a locked glove box, or put it in the open.

"We don't want to have to handle the weapon in the presence of anybody," he said. "We are hoping the Highway Patrol recognizes that handling a gun unnecessarily in front of any person is not advisable."

To compromise, Aslanides is considering making it a felony if a person touches the gun during a traffic stop.

With affirmative defense, Aslanides wants to add more factors that would allow a person to carry a gun without a permit, such as being a witness in a trial.

He also may propose a temporary permit -- with a criminal background check but no training -- for those who suddenly find themselves performing jobs that require more immediate protection.

Click here to read the story in the Zanesville Times Recorder.