Restaurant/Car Carry scheduled for vote in House committee; HB54 (Restoration of Rights) scheduled for proponent testimony

[UPDATE: This article has been updated to reflect a changed meeting room for the House Committee on Criminal Justice.]

Gongwer News Service is reporting that the Ohio House of Representatives has scheduled hearings next week on pro-gun legislation supported by Buckeye Firearms Association.

Tuesday, March 8:

1:30 pm, Statehouse Room 116 -
The House Committee on State Government and Elections, which is chaired by BFA "A" -rated Rep. Bob Mecklenborg, will hear proponent testimony on HB45, sponsored by Representatives Danny Bubp (R-West Union) and Terry Johnson (R-McDermott). This is the bill's fifth hearing in the House. Chairman Mecklenborg has indicated that amendments may be introduced, and the bill has been scheduled for a possible vote.

Wednesday, March 9:

9:00 am, Statehouse Room 122 -
The House Committee on Criminal Justice, which is chaired by BFA "B*" -rated Rep. Lynn Slaby, will hear proponent testimony on HB54, sponsored by Representatives Ron Maag (R-Lebanon) and Jarrod Martin (R-Beavercreek). This is the bill's second hearing in the House.

Meanwhile, Sen. Tim Grendell has announced that the Senate Judiciary on Criminal Justice Committee is not meeting next week. This means at least a minimum three week cessation of Senate action on its version of restaurant/ car carry rules fix legislation, SB17, and on Sen. Jason Wilson's (D) SB61, which will align Ohio law with federal statutes regarding the restoration of rights to Ohio firearms purchasers. The Senate passed bills with identical language in the last session by significant bi-partisan majorities.
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Both HB45 and SB17 contain the language from SB239 in the 128th General Assembly. The bills seek to allow citizens who hold a valid concealed handgun license (CHL) to carry a firearm in restaurants, and to reduce burdensome restrictions regarding how a license holder must transport a firearm in a car.

Both HB54 and SB61 contain the language from SB247 in the 128th General Assembly. The bills seek to align Ohio law with federal statutes regarding the restoration of rights to Ohio firearms purchasers.

Ken Hanson, Legislative Chair of Buckeye Firearms Association, said, "These bills addresses three important issues facing Ohio gun owners and concealed carry license holders and seek to align Ohio law with federal law and the laws of our surrounding states."

Buckeye Firearms Association Chairman Jim Irvine stated, "We are pleased to see renewed efforts to refine and improve Ohio's current firearm laws. The General Assembly is considering legislation that address the most pressing issues facing those who legally own guns in Ohio. HB45 and SB17 would allow licensed citizens to carry concealed firearms in restaurants and fix burdensome car carry rules. HB54 and SB61 would align Ohio law with Federal statutes and protect citizen rights. We hope the legislature moves quickly to pass this legislation, and are encouraged by legislators' assurances that Governor Kasich will sign the bills."

For more information and the full text of the bills, visit:

Restaurant Carry:
HB45 - http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=129_HB_45
SB17 - http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=129_SB_17

Restoration of Rights:
HB54 - http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=129_HB_54
SB61 - http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=129_SB_61