Senators hear from opponents in latest round of hearings on pro-gun rights bills

The Senate Civil Justice committee met on Wednesday, November 19 to consider multiple firearms-related bills.

HB 234 (Allow Noise Suppressors While Hunting) drew opposition testimony from Katriel Israel (written only). Ms. Israel asserted that suppressors are only for police and military, cause an increase risk of accidental shootings, and put hunters at risk. She offered no studies or even anecdotal evidence to back up her claims, which are contrary to common beliefs of informed shooters and sportsmen and women.

There were no other witnesses testifying for or against HB 234.

SB 338 (Concealed Carry Reform) had three witnesses.

Judging by her testimony, Ms. Israel does not like this bill any better than HB 234. She asserts that it endangers our society by reducing training. She also claimed that, "Anyone who does not live in our state should not receive the privileges that our citizens enjoy." One wonders how she feels about drivers from with Pennsylvania or other out of state vehicles driving on our highways, visiting our parks or other places of interest throughout the Buckeye State.

Gary Witt, testifying for Ohioans for Concealed Carry, submitted written testimony to accompany the oral testimony he delivered the prior week.

Tom Calladine testified as interested party for the Western Reserve Fish & Game Association. His testimony focused on opposition to the proposed change in minimum required training necessary to obtain a concealed handgun license. He asserted that instructors are unable to adequately determine how many hours training would be required to make people of various abilities competent and safe to carry a firearms, and that we are better off if government bureaucrats establish those minimums.

Senator Joe Uecker (R-14) asked Mr. Calladine if he and other instructors he works with currently do more than is mandated by state law. Mr. Calladine answered that he did. Senator Uecker asked if there are some people who do not need even four hours because of their level of training and experience. Mr. Calladine again agreed that such people exist. Senator Uecker thanked him for putting in the extra time and effort to ensure his students are safe, and noted that the legislature entrusted firearms instructors to do exactly that. Senator Uecker explained that his bill would only change the minimum training requirements for persons, but that instructors would still be free to require additional training when they deem it necessary, as many do now.

Buckeye Firearms Association agrees with Senator Uecker that the determination that a student possesses the knowledge, skills, and mindset to properly and safely carry a firearm is more important than any specific time requirement. In over 10 years of concealed carry in Ohio, less than one half of one percent of all CHL's have been revoked for any reason (including revocations when a license-holder passes way or moves out of state) - an indication that most instructors are doing an excellent job.

Carrying a firearm to protect your life is a serious decision. We highly encourage people to take continued training after obtaining their CHL. There are many excellent trainers in Ohio and beyond. Training can be a fun family event, and good training increases the likelihood of winning a deadly encounter.

Though HB 234 was marked for possible amendments and votes, no action was taken on this or any other bills.

In Guns & Ammo's ranking of "Best States for Concealed Carry," Ohio ranks 41st, and falls far behind all of its border states. Michigan, which passed concealed carry one year before Ohio, ranks 31st. West Virgina ranks 32nd, Pennsylvania is 15th, Indiana comes in 14th and Kentucky is ranked 11th.

Buckeye Firearms Association continues to work with bill sponsors, Chairman Coley and other elected officials on multiple firearms-related bills. We have identified multiple deficiencies in Ohio law and offered common sense solutions that will respect individual freedoms and improve public safety. We call on Senators to move important legislation before the conclusion of this session.

If legislators do not act, the many pro-gun bills that are pending will die at the end of December.

If you want to see the General Assembly act to improve gun rights in ways that are already enjoyed by the majority of other states, call your Representative and Senator NOW and tell them you expect pro-gun legislation to move in Ohio BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR. They asked for your vote on Election Day. Tell them we want their votes too.

Jim Irvine is the Buckeye Firearms Association President, BFA PAC Chairman and recipient of the NRA-ILA's 2011 "Jay M. Littlefield Volunteer of the Year Award" and the CCRKBA's 2012 "Gun Rights Defender of the Year Award."

Related Article:

Training – how much is enough?