Posted on 04/13/2011 5:54:28 AM PDT by marktwain
Two pro-gun bills, one of which would make critical improvements to Ohio's concealed carry laws, have passed out of the Senate Judiciary on Criminal Justice Committee.
The committee, which is chaired by BFA "A+" -rated Sen. Tim Grendell (R), passed SB17 (Restaurant & Car Carry Rules Fix) with a 7 - 2 vote. The committee also passed SB61 (Restoration of Rights) with a 8 - 1 vote. (See vote tallies below.)
SB17, sponsored by Senator Tim Schaffer (R), is similar to HB45, which has passed out of committee in the House. The bills were identical until today, when SB17 was amended. Part of SB17 seeks to eliminate the convoluted and confusing way people with a CHL must transport guns in cars. The amendment provides a way for people who were convicted of improperly transporting a firearm under the current law to receive relief if they would have been in compliance under the law as amended in SB17. This excellent amendment was offered by Senator Larry Obhof (R). Constituents should thank him for looking out for gun owners who have been harmed not by "bad actions" but simply because of "bad law."
SB61, sponsored by Senator Jason Wilson (D), seeks to fix a technical defect in Ohio law. Because of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, the BAFTE has found that Ohio's restorations are not valid under Federal law. The result is that people may obtain an Ohio CHL, or be an Ohio peace officer, but still be under a Federal Firearms disability. Clearly this makes no sense.
Before the vote, Ken Hanson testified in support of each bill for Buckeye Firearms Association. (See testimony below.) And as they did in the House (see here and here) several professional paid lobbyists (Toby Hoover of the Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence, John Murphy of the Ohio Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, and Mike Wineman of the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police) offered Chicken Little claims that the sky was going to fall if the committee moved the bills, but no evidence to back them up.
Both bills received bipartisan support. The bills now await a floor vote by the Ohio Senate. If your Senator has voted for these bills in committee, please thank them. If you have not already contacted your Senator asking for support for these bills, now is a good time to do so.
This marks the first movement of this legislation in the Senate in more than two months. The Senate passed identical bills in the last session, but they died at the hands of then-House Speaker Armond Budish (D).
"This is a good day for gun owners who live and travel in Ohio," said Jim Irvine, chairman of Buckeye Firearms Association. "Two of the most pressing problems facing license-holders are addressed in SB17, and these changes will make Ohio a safer place to live by reducing the places criminals can steal guns."
"We thank the thousands of individuals who have called or emailed their Representatives. Your voices are being heard. Committees in both chambers of the general Assembly have passed these bills. Gun owners expect a full vote in the House and Senate, and a quick journey to Governor Kasich's desk."
We've been working on this legislation for three years. There have been more than enough hearings. Now it's time to ACT! There is no question that these bills have the votes to pass in both the House and Senate. The only question is when the Republican leadership in the two chambers will allow these bills to have a vote. We need to show OVERWHELMING support for these bills without delay.
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