HB12 Conference Committee convenes for first time

The Conference Committee on House Bill 12 met today for organizational purposes. OFCC PAC Chairman Jim Irvine was in attendance at the meeting.

Representative Aslanides covered the rules for the committee, and specifically mentioned Rule 19, which governs the committee’s obligation to cover only the differences between the two versions of the bill.

Aslanides asked if everyone was in agreement. The committee members nodded. Rep. Aslanides looked to Sen. Pres. Doug White, and said “Is that a nod from you, President White?”

White smiled, and nodded again.

Rep. Aslandes said for the record, “Your nod is acknowledged.”

In earlier comments made to the committee, Senator White stated that he wants a bill before the end of this year, with or without the Governor’s signature. Given his actions over the past four months to delaying the appointment of conferees, and given his taking the unusual step of appointing himself as a conferee, we believe it is important to continue to measure Senator White by his actions, rather than his words.

No date has been set for the next meeting.

Media coverage of the meeting will be posted here as it appears:

Gannett News Service - Gun committee meets, but compromise not apparent

WHIOTV - State Lawmakers Make Progress On Concealed Weapons Law