OFCC learns of behind-the-scenes progress on HB12

EXCLUSIVE: Must credit www.OhioCCW.org

Ohioans For Concealed Carry (OFCC) has learned that, due to Senate amendments to HB12 dealing with how one should carry a firearm, law enforcement agencies in Ohio are not in agreement on Am. Sub. HB12.

The Buckeye State Sheriff Association (BSSA) and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) believe that making someone repeatedly handle, holster and unholster a loaded firearm is unsafe. These unsafe practices would be mandated as a result of Taft-sponsored Senate amendments.

The amended language would require license-holders to change how and where they carry a firearm when entering or exiting a vehicle, and applies different rules depending on the age of the vehicle's occupants.

OFCC and the National Rifle Association (NRA) (and anyone else familiar with firearms) concur with these law enforcement organizations - dangerous unintended consequences will result from provisions inserted by the Senate at Taft's request.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) stands alone as the only law enforcement agency in Ohio that has endorsed this dangerous practice. Why?

OFCC has also learned that the BSSA has invited the FOP and the OSHP to a meeting, the purpose for which is to get the major law enforcement agencies in agreement on this important issue.

"In other states where law enforcement had vast differences regarding provisions of concealed carry legislation, they sat down together to work out their differences to help pass a fair and balanced law," said Representative Jim Aslanides (R-94). "So it’s only fitting that, here in Ohio, our law enforcement agree to sit at the table and work out their differences and concur on a common position."

Rep. Aslanides, primary sponsor of HB12 and long-time friend to self-defense rights activists, has not taken the summer off when it comes to concealed carry reform.

He has tried unsuccessfully to get Governor Taft to understand the safety problems created by the Senate's amended version of HB12, and to seek from Taft a compromise on his demand to endanger parents with children.

OFCC contacted the governor's office about the recent rash of carjacker victims who have been stabbed or shot trying to follow the "drive off" when attacked advice of OSHP Capt. John Born. Governor Taft has "no comment."

We are thankful to the BSSA for facilitating this important meeting, and we expect the FOP and OSHP to come to the table to address each parties' critical concerns.

Please check back often, as we will be updating this story as it develops and as further details become available.