OFCC PAC working to investigate reports of potential delays at sheriff's offices

In many parts of the state, sheriff's offices are handling the implementation of Ohio's new concealed handgun license (CHL) law with the utmost of professionalism. Sheriffs such as Dan Beck in Allen Co. and Gerry Billy in Licking Co. are holding clinics to inform their constituents of the procedures for county residents to obtain licenses to carry concealed weapons.

Most sheriffs tell OFCC PAC and news media that they will be fully ready to accept applications beginning on April 8, 2004, as per Ohio law.

And yet a few sheriffs continue to complain to the media of confusion, lack of materials, etc. Worse still, OFCC PAC continues to receive reports that some sheriffs are informing callers that they will not accept applications on April 8 - some say they may wait as long as June or July (Cuyahoga Co.). One sheriff (Shelby Co.) is attempting to mandate an additional class on top of the requirements of HB12. We have also been informed that at least two sheriffs (Tuscawaras Co. and Stark Co.) are trying to force applicants to obtain licenses by appointment only, which would result only around two thousand applicants in a county per year.

Only the Ohio Attorney General has legal authority to delay implementation of the law, and only for a short time. However, the Attorney General's Office has assured OFCC PAC that they have provided everything they are required to provide to the Buckeye State Sheriff's Association, which represents Ohio's 88 sheriffs, and that there will not be a delay. Additionally, sheriffs have NO authority to add requirements for applicants, or to forceably limit the number of applicants to a tiny fraction of those who wish to apply.

Ohio law states that sheriffs SHALL accept applications, and issue licenses to those who qualify, within 45 days of April 8, 2004. OFCC PAC will continue to work with the Buckeye State Sheriff's Association to ensure on-time implementation.

Please forward reports of any potentially illegal delays to [email protected].