Tomorrow, November 20, the Ohio House Judiciary Committee will hear proponent testimony on House Bill 231, legislation that seeks to improve the safety of Ohioans by removing arbitrary “defenseless” zones for law-abiding citizens. This committee hearing will be held at 4:00 p.m. tomorrow in State House Room 121.
Sponsored by state Representative Ron Maag (R-62), HB 231 seeks to make the following important changes to Ohio’s current firearm laws:
- Expand the designated area’s Ohio Concealed Handgun License holders can legally carry to churches, daycares, private airplanes, government buildings and college/university campuses if they choose.
- Eliminate the risk of CHLs becoming criminals by unintentionally crossing one of the current arbitrary boundaries in place under the patchwork of gun carrying laws.
- Reduce the offense for CHLs carrying in a restricted area from a felony to a misdemeanor.
- Allow individual businesses and organizations to set their own policies relating to carrying of firearms.
Violent attackers typically strike when they know that they have an advantage. Simply allowing carry permit holders the right to defend themselves and those around them adds a level of uncertainty to criminals which helps to protect law-abiding citizens. While it is important to depend on law enforcement, they cannot be everywhere at all times. “Gun Free Zones” restrict the rights of carry permit holders and leaves them defenseless. As a result, innocent law-abiding citizens pay the price.
Please call AND e-mail members of the House Judiciary Committee and urge them to support HB 231. Their contact information is provided here.
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