Saturday, December 13, 2014

Ohio Gun Reform Bill goes to Governor Kasich


H.B. 234  is an 18 page reform of Ohio’s firearms laws, though most of the 18 pages are existing law.  The reforms are simple commonsense reforms of provisions of state law that were unduly restrictive and made no sense.  This was reflected by the large vote margins for passage of the bill; 24-6 in the Senate, 69-16 in the House.
The bill now goes to Governor Kasich, who has not indicated if he will sign it or not.   Disarmists are already lobbying the Governor in an attempt to have him veto the bill.  Governor Kasich has 10 days from receipt of the bill to either veto or sign it.  If he takes no action, the bill becomes law without his signature.  In general, laws go into effect in Ohio 90 days after final action by the Governor.
Some of the major provisions of the bill are:
  • Creates reciprocity to recognize concealed handgun permits from other states, much as drivers licenses are recognized.
  • Eliminates a provision in the law that equated semi-automatics firearms that could accept magazines with a capacity of more than 30 rounds as automatic weapons.
  • States that the Ohio CHL will meet the requirements of the national instant check system.  This should allow CHL holders to purchase firearms by presenting their CHL to firearms dealers.
  • Allows for training certification by any “national gun advocacy organization” instead of the National Rifle Association specifically.
  • Allows for partial training online, but requires two hours of in person range time for CHL permit training.
  • Extends Ohio CHL permit expiration to the date of expiration on the permit, instead of upon change of residency.
  • Provides that entry into parking lots with a CHL shall not be considered criminal trespass.
  • Allows people in the Military, Peace Corps, and Service to America six months grace to renew an Ohio concealed handgun license.
  • Creates as “Shall Sign” provision for chief law enforcement officers who process National Firearms Act (NFA) forms.
  • Allows people with legal gun mufflers to use them for hunting game.

6 comments:

  1. Lots of good stuff in that reform package. I especially like the second-to-last one.

    Well done, Ohio legislature.

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    1. Here's my favorite: "Allows for partial training online, but requires two hours of in person range time for CHL permit training."

      That's how you guys keep that incredible record going about permit holders being more law abiding than regular folks.

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    2. That's how you guys keep that incredible record going about permit holders being more law abiding than regular folks.

      Er . . . what???

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    3. That was sarcasm or irony, or something. What it means is, by allowing training on-line and only two hours at the range, the number of unfit permit holders will increase. Now, that's an example of common sense and honesty, so I'm sure you won't get it.

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    4. Now, that's an example of common sense and honesty . . .

      Hmm--I thought perhaps it was evidence (as if more were needed) that your meds just ain't getting the job done.

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  2. "Republican Gov. John Kasich on Friday signed a bill expanding gun rights in Ohio to include the use of suppressors by hunters, concealed carry reforms, and mandatory shall-certify rules for National Firearms Act items."
    “The signing of this bill is a large step forward for firearm rights in Ohio,” Brett Pucillo, President of Ohio Carry told Guns.com Saturday. “We acknowledge that the bill is not perfect, but no bill will be. We acknowledge that the bill does not fix all of the problems we have with the current laws, but if we keep working hard and passing new legislation such as this, year after year, eventually, with determination, we will be where we want to be. This bill is progress, and we are very pleased that Governor Kasich has signed it.”
    Kasich signed the bill into law Friday without comment in the face of a campaign by national gun control groups, namely former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action, to urge the Governor to veto the legislation. The groups contended the bill would weaken the state’s concealed carry requirements and oppose the new law as signed."

    Does Ohio provide for overriding a veto? I see both chambers passed it with at least a 75% majority.

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