When it comes to gun rights, it's been a very busy week in Columbus [Press Conference Video]

This was a busy week at the Ohio Statehouse where guns, Second Amendment rights and self-defense were discussed and debated before committees.

Lobbyists and citizens invested many hours to explain their perspective to legislators, and to answer questions.

HB234, sponsored by Cheryl Grossman (R-Grove City) would allow the use of Hunting with suppressors. The Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard from Larry Moore representing Buckeye Firearms Association, Todd Rathersberg representing the American Silencer Association, James Goerz, Tom Hall and many others, all who testified in support of allowing the use of suppressors while hunting. At least 10 people/organizations submitted information in support of this bill.

Key points made by witnesses where that suppressors help protect hearing, something everyone seemed to agree was important. This is fairly common practice with roughly 30 other states already permitting similar activities. There is no studies showing an increase danger for other hunters and this is a fair and legitimate way to hunt. (It's not unfair to Bambi.) Also important is that much like many other things we have "learned" from Hollywood movies, "silencers" that convert guns into silent killing tools simply don't exist in real life.

HB203, sponsored by Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) makes significant reforms to Ohio's concealed carry and firearm laws. A substitute bill was introduced and accepted by the Policy and Legislative Oversight Committee. Coinciding with the committee hearing on the bill, Johnson held a press conference to discuss his bill with media.

The press conference was well attended by a variety of media. It seemed very helpful for the media to learn the reasons for the changes the bill seeks to make and to be able to ask questions of Johnson and various topic experts. Firearms laws, and thus HB 203, are complicated. There was a team of people to address various issues. Given the intricate nature of some sections of the bill, taking an hour to meet and discuss with media to help them better understand the issues was time well spent. (Press conference video included below)

At the end of the day, people want laws that are good for the State. Sometimes debate on an issue end up revolving around erroneous information parroted in multiple media reports. The press conference seemed like a perfect way to improve communication and understanding on how HB 203 will be good for Ohio. It continues Johnson's goal of simplifying Ohio law (HB 495 last session removed over 1,000 words from code without making any material changes, making it much easier to understand and comply with) and restoring constitutional civil rights and freedoms.

In the wake of the mass murder of six educators and 20 school children in Newtown, Connecticut, there was much discussion on background checks. Something everyone agreed on was that more should be done to make sure "the wrong people" didn't have access to guns.
With HB203, Johnson aims to make significant progress regarding this problem. The bill would generally align Ohio's firearms disqualifiers with federal law. It will also prohibit people who are not permitted to possess guns from obtaining a concealed handgun license (CHL) and implement a background check to enable sheriffs to verify the criminal past of people before issuing a CHL.

The sub-bill inserts a minimum of four hours training to obtain a CHL. The original bill mandated the topics to be covered, but left the hours to the discretion of instructors. Current law requires 12 hours - among the highest in the country. Many states have no training requirement. The four hour requirement will probably leave Ohio above average in training requirement, but would move us from an "outlier" category to "normal" when it comes to the training requirement.

The bill includes other changes to help military members with CHLs, as well as provisions requested by Attorney General Mike DeWine and the Buckeye State Sheriffs Association.

Testifying for the bill were pro-gun groups such as the National Rifle Association (NRA), Buckeye Firearms Association and Ohioans for Concealed Carry as well as many citizens who explained their personal reasons for why this bill is important. The long line of witnesses makes for a long day at the statehouse, but illustrates the general popularity of the bill and broad support it has among everyday people. Each entity is an important part of improving Ohio's laws.

Also getting a hearing this week was HB 231, sponsored by Ron Maag (R-Lebanon) which would reduce or eliminate many of Ohio's victim zones. These are places where people may not legally defend their own life with a gun, and have become safe havens for mass killers who know they know they can achieve a high body count with defenseless victims.

Other notable bills getting hearings this week are HB 236 sponsored by John Becker (R-Union Township) that would allow employees to carry guns in government buildings, and HB 31 sponsored by Bill Patmon (D-Cleveland) that would provide criminal penalties for not securing firearms in a home to comply with new restrictions in this bill.

It is likely that there will be more hearings and discussions on the topics of guns as we near the one year anniversary of the Sandy Hook mass murder. You can keep up with all the Ohio firearms-related bills here:

http://www.buckeyefirearms.org/Legislation-Guide

Jim Irvine is the Buckeye Firearms Association Chairman, and recipient of the NRA-ILA's 2011 "Jay M. Littlefield Volunteer of the Year Award" and the CCRKBA's 2012 "Gun Rights Defender of the Year Award."

HB 203 Press Conference Videos:

Bill Explanation Pt. 1 - Representative Terry Johnson

Bill Explanation Pt. 2 - Representative Terry Johnson & Doug Deeken, OFCC

Bill Explanation Pt. 3 - Jim Irvine, Buckeye Firearms Association

Bill Explanation Pt. 4 - Ken Hanson, Buckeye Firearms Association, Rep. Terry Johnson & Jim Irvine, Buckeye Firearms Association

Bill Explanation Pt. 5 - Rep. Terry Johnson & Jim Irvine, Buckeye Firearms Association

Bill Discussion Pt. 1 - Ken Hanson, Buckeye Firearms Association Legislative Chair

Bill Discussion Pt. 2 - Tim, disabled former Ohio corrections officer and Tom Hall, gun shop owner

Bill Discussion Pt. 3 - Linda Walker, Buckeye Firearms Association Central Ohio Region Leader

Bill Discussion / Q & A Pt. 4 - Ken Hanson, Buckeye Firearms Association Legislative Chair

Bill Discussion / Q & A Pt. 5 - Representative Terry Johnson

Bill Discussion / Q & A Pt. 6 - Representative Terry Johnson