Ohio General Assembly returns to Session: WILL SENATE ACT?
"Senate President Doug White (R – 14th District) speaking at a March 2003 US Sportsmen Alliance legislative reception said:
"I am a strong proponent of the right to carry. I do not own a gun. I served in Uncle Sam’s Army where I used a sidearm and the M-14. I understand the proper use of a firearm and the power of a firearm. I absolutely and totally, to the bottom of my soul, understand the rights of law-abiding citizens. I do not care how big a gun is or how fast it will fire; if it is in the hands of a law-abiding citizen it does not intimidate me. I cannot understand those in our society who are intimidated by law-abiding citizens. The Senate had a lot of work on the issue last year. If the House acts quickly, we will probably also act quickly and send a bill to conference."
While speaking at the same reception, Senator Steve Austria (R – 10th District) (who chairs the Criminal Justice Committee which amended HB12 so poorly), stated that "the Senate is expecting to act quickly. We want to have a bill that can become law and not die in a conference committee or be vetoed by the Governor. I expect we can get a bill out of the Senate."
TODAY: These Senate leaders' words about HB12 were far different than their deeds. Under Senator White's leadership, Senator Austria's committee filled the bill with poison pill amendments, the most egregious of which would prevent families from protecting their children in a personal vehicle, and would strip away affirmative defense rights (however flawed) that Ohioans currently have.
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Of their work in June, Sen. Austria said "...Of all the changes made by the Senate, as a father, I am most proud of the work we did to ensure the safety of Ohio children under this bill." Senate President Doug White said "the bill as passed by the Senate gives law-abiding citizens the opportunity to protect themselves by carrying a concealed weapon, while protecting the best interests and safety of all Ohioans."
Over the summer months, the Buckeye State Sheriffs and Fraternal Order of Police have weighed in. These Senators now know:
• The amendments of which they are so proud are viewed by Ohio's two major law enforcement organizations as inherently UNSAFE.
• Ohioans are dying trying to follow the Ohio State Highway Patrol's advice to "drive off" when attacked in their cars.
• The are holding hostage the very bill they crafted to avoid death-by-conference-committee, refusing even to appoint conferees to such a committee.
Sen. White can still act as a leader, appoint conferees that would modify the bill into an acceptable form and send it to Gov. Taft's desk. This is what the Sen. White who spoke this spring would do. Exactly who are we dealing with in September remains to be seen.
Related Stories:
Ohio General Assembly Fall Session Schedule
Words above Deeds? Sen. Doug White says ''I want a [CCW] bill.''
Insisting on 'Carjacker Protection': What does Bob Taft have against children?
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