OH: Gun Reform Bill goes to Governor Kasich (R)

Gun Watch ^ | 13 December, 2014 | Dean Weingarten

[marktwain]

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.

These common sense reforms have been sought in Ohio for many years. 

Lost in the legislative shuffle was a reform to bring Ohio in step with the other 49 states on self defense law.   Ohio is the only state that places the burden of proof on a person who claims self defense.  In the other 49 states, it is the burden of the state to prove that the person *was not* acting in self defense, once the self defense claim is made.   In Ohio, the accused is required to prove that they *did* act in self defense.  Many believe that this is a violation of the "innocent until proven guilty" principle of American law.

 Definition of  disarmist 

©2014 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice is included.
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[marktwain]

Not perfect, but many long fought for reforms in this bill. I wonder if Kasich will sign it.

[South40]

The reforms are simple commonsense reforms

Excuse my skepticism, but that is the most common thing liberals say when they are pushing their agenda.

[lee martell]

While on Twitchy, I saw a very old photo of Gov. Kasich as an 18 year old. He was dressed in a grey suit and shaking Richard Nixon’s hand in what I belief was The Oval Office.
The teenage Kasich looked about 90lb soaking wet, and in need of a haircut with close trim. His excitement on meeting Thee Richard Milhouse Nixon was evident. I’ve heard some say that Kasich wants to run for President. I don’t know enough about him. I think he was one of very few Rep, Gov. to allow ObamaCare insurance to get started in his state.

[Jack Hydrazine]

What happened to the capitol’s dome? Did they forget to put one on?

[Jaxter]

• Creates reciprocity to recognize concealed handgun permits from other states, much as drivers licenses are recognized.

According to the NRA-ILA website, Ohio already has reciprocity with about 30 states. Does this mean there will now be reciprocity with the rest?

[marktwain]

I admit to a bit of irony in using those words. Using their own phrase against them, so to speak.

[marktwain]

The new law does not require a signed reciprocity agreement, and takes discretion out of the hands of the Attorney General, as I recall.

I believe it does recognize all state permits.

[fieldmarshaldj]

No, it was deliberate. The original architects didn’t want to put a dome on it, other architects did, but eventually they went back to the original plans with no dome. The lack of dome makes it distinctive, although it does make it look unfinished.

Oklahoma had a similar situation (no dome on their capitol), but that was not architecturally deliberate since they didn’t have enough money to complete it at the time the rest of the building was finished, so it sat for about 80 years without a dome until they finally built it in the past decade or so.

[WMarshal]

“where is the dome?” I was thinking the same thing. It looks sorta stumpy and unfinished.

[dljordan]

“What happened to the capitol’s dome? Did they forget to put one on?”

It’s retractable for cleaning.

[Jaxter]

Thanks! That’s great! My Mom lives in Ohio and I hate having to (wink wink) unload my carry gun, separate the gun and the mag (wink wink) and put it in the trunk (wink wink)when I go visit her.

[Bosco]

If it was good enough for Lincoln to lie in state in the Ohio Statehouse, it should be good enough for you. :)

[RC one]

If he doesn’t sign it, he’s finished in politics. I hope he realizes that.

[AlaskaErik]

•Allows people in the Military, Peace Corps, and Service to America six months grace to renew an Ohio concealed handgun license.

Does anyone in the latter two organizations even have a CCW?! I simply can't fathom it!

[marktwain]

There are exceptions to every rule. Also, the people in these organization are young; so it is possible that a few will experience enough reality to change their assumptions.

[BobL]

“Provides that entry into parking lots with a CHL shall not be considered criminal trespass.”

I should hope not. I can’t see how carrying a concealed handgun license into a parking lot could ever be a criminal offense. No different than carrying a driver’s license (or a passport) into a parking lot, in my opinion. They seem awfully paranoid in Ohio.

[Ronaldus Magnus]

John Kasich is a traitor to our Second Amendment freedoms. He was almost single handedly responsible for the assault weapons ban because of his behind-the-scenes betrayal of his Republican colleges. He also voted for the Brady law.

The Wikipedia article below explains how the Republicans had successfully blocked the Assault Weapons Ban until Kasich negotiated a sellout with Leon Panetta. I once thought Kasich had presidential potential, but now I know that he is a traitor conservatives.

Wikipedia on Kasich's Congressional Career

In 1994, Kasich was one of the Republican leaders to support a last-minute deal with President Bill Clinton to pass the Federal Assault Weapons Ban. After a series of meetings with Clinton's Chief of Staff, Leon Panetta, who was also a long-time friend of Kasich, the assault weapons ban was passed when 42 Republicans crossed party lines and voted with the Democrats to ban assault weapons. Kasich's support of the assault-weapons ban angered the National Rifle Association, which gave Kasich an "F" rating during the 1990s as a result

[trebb]

Would be nice to be able to remain legally armed when visiting the relatives in Ohio...