Original Section 9 violator ''sees the light''

Ohioans For Concealed Carry has confirmed that Summit Co. Executive James McCarthy's executive order "prohibiting guns in all county buildings and vehicles and on county property" will be modified to reflect the law under Section 9 of Ohio House Bill 12.

Readers of this website were first made aware of this original Section 9 violator in early February.

On February 2, the Akron Beacon Journal reported that Summit County Executive James McCarthy issued an executive order "prohibiting guns in all county buildings and vehicles and on county property." This represented the first such action by a political subdivision in the wake of passage of House Bill 12.

Ohioans For Concealed Carry was quick to point out that the General Assembly expressed it's intent to preempt any such actions to restrict concealed carry in Section 9 of House Bill 12.

Steven H. Libbey, Deputy Director of the Summit Co. Criminal Justice Affairs Division, confirmed yesterday that the executive order is being modified.

"No-CCW" signs will be posted on county buildings only, in accordance with the law under HB12, and concealed handgun license-holders will not be prohibited from county property.

County officials are still discussing the implementation of rules regarding concealed carry for county employees while at work.

Upon discovery a potential violation, OFCC's legal representation has been contacting county, city, and township law directors across the state. To date, approximately fifteen political subdivisions in Ohio have reversed course on plans to enact new bans after being made aware of Section 9 of House Bill 12. In addition, the cities of Columbus, Cleveland, Newark and Loveland had existing bans in place (pre-HB12), and have publicly acknowledged that Section 9 preempts their ability to continue to enforce the ban.

Toledo Mayor Jack Ford continues to claim that CHL-holders will be arrested and face extensive fines and jail-time if found on public property such as parks. Enforcement of such a ban would clearly violate the law, which Ford took an oath of office to uphold.

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Attorney General concurs: City and county gun banners preempted by state law