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| Legislative Watch | 
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Ohio |
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12/15/06-Lawmakers in the House and Senate have overridden a veto from Gov. Bob Taft to alter the state's gun-carrying law, specifically in vehicles.
The Senate voted 21-12 to override the veto of a bill - HB347 - that will supersede local gun ordinances and make the concealed carry law uniform throughout the state while the House vote was 57-14.
Taft, who leaves office in a couple of weeks, said the gun bill pre-empts about 80 local gun laws, including assault-weapons bans in such cities as Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus. Others say it takes away cities' constitutional rights to self-govern.
The bill allows truckers and other drivers with permits to carry handguns in holsters, purses, glove compartments or closed cases when pulled over by law enforcement rather than display them in plain view.
It also increases penalties for armed drivers who fail to promptly notify police that a loaded handgun is in the vehicle.
Sheriffs will be able to deny permits to people with sealed or expunged convictions or prior permit suspensions.
The new law is scheduled to take effect in March 2007.
3/24/06-The House overwhelmingly approved a bill this month that would alter the state’s gun-carrying law.
Ohio law now requires firearms to be in “plain sight” when inside a vehicle, whether they are holstered or in a closed case – unless they are locked in a glove box.
To help prevent licensed gun owners from violating the law, the bill would allow them to carry their firearms hidden inside a vehicle while driving.
HB347 also would supersede local gun ordinances and make the concealed carry law uniform throughout the state.
Anyone found to be in illegal possession of a loaded handgun in a vehicle would face between six and 18 months in jail and/or a $5,000 fine. Existing state law limits jail time to between six and 12 months with fines of $2,500.
In addition, the penalty for failure to tell law enforcement during a traffic stop that a gun is in the vehicle could result in 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. State law now limits offenders to 30 days behind bars and/or a $250 fine.
The bill has been sent to the Senate for further consideration.
For bill status, call (614) 466-8842. In Ohio, call 1-800-282-0253.
3/24/06-The House overwhelmingly approved a bill this month that would alter the state’s gun-carrying law.
Ohio law now requires firearms to be in “plain sight” when inside a vehicle, whether they are holstered or in a closed case – unless they are locked in a glove box.
To help prevent licensed gun owners from violating the law, the bill would allow them to carry their firearms hidden inside a vehicle while driving.
HB347 also would supersede local gun ordinances and make the concealed carry law uniform throughout the state.
Anyone found to be in illegal possession of a loaded handgun in a vehicle would face between six and 18 months in jail and/or a $5,000 fine. Existing state law limits jail time to between six and 12 months with fines of $2,500.
In addition, the penalty for failure to tell law enforcement during a traffic stop that a gun is in the vehicle could result in 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. State law now limits offenders to 30 days behind bars and/or a $250 fine.
The bill has been sent to the Senate for further consideration.
For bill status, call (614) 466-8842. In Ohio, call 1-800-282-0253.