Ohio's Alaska-style concealed carry legislation gains press attention

The (St. Marys, OH) Evening Leader is reporting on State Rep. John Adams' introduction of House Bill 129, legislation that would amend Ohio's concealed carry law to a model similar to the State of Alaska.

Under the proposal, Ohioans who are legally allowed to possess and purchase firearms would not be required to obtain a license to carry one. Other changes include removing the requirement that license-holders inform approaching law enforcement officials that a person is carrying a concealed weapon.

From the story:

The change, Adams said, is aimed at protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.

"You still have to go through the training and keep the paper that says you went through the training," Adams said. "All it does is eliminate the licensing aspect, but it does allow you to choose to go through that process. It's a hybrid — you can do either."

The bill, which Adams likened to the Alaska-style Carry, also repeals mandates for re-qualification. The proposal also would allow the weapons to be carried on college campuses.

"Vermont has no licensing aspect whatsoever," Adams said.
"The law-abiding citizen doesn't change from state to state. That's always been my main thrust on arguing these points — the law-abiding citizen."

Adams said he believes law-abiding citizens should not be punished because of a fear of criminals. Instead, Adams said the law should protect the rights of the law-abiding citizens.

"There shouldn't be any alarmism on this," Adams said. "A law-abiding citizen in Vermont is not required to be licensed and I think it is a fundamental right (to carry)."

While the bill failed to clear committee hearings last year, Adams told the newspaper he hopes the proposal makes it to the floor for a vote. But he stopped short of making any predictions.

"I look forward to the committee hearing process," Adams said. "We are guaranteed one hearing and you go from there. I find on both sides of the aisle that they do understand the law abiding citizen aspect of it. They are not criminals and shouldn't be treated as such."