On Tuesday September 19, the Ohio state House Committee on Federalism and Interstate Relations will hold a hearing on a substitute version of House Bill 142 which would reform the requirement that a concealed handgun licensee notify a law enforcement officer that they are carrying a concealed handgun when stopped for a law enforcement purpose, like a routine traffic stop.
Sponsored by state Representative Scott Wiggam (R-1), the original House Bill 142 would have removed this requirement. The substitute bill instead clearly specifies that the licensee is only required to present the license or verbally notify once requested to present their driver’s license upon being stopped by an officer for a law enforcement purpose. By clarifying this disclosure requirement, it gives motorists a clear set of steps to follow when stopped by law enforcement. In addition, Ohio currently has the most draconian criminal penalty of states with similar laws, possibly resulting in a serious misdemeanor charge punishable by up to six months imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000 as well as suspension of the concealed handgun license. This substitute bill instead lowers the penalty to a minor misdemeanor, eliminates the possibility of a suspended license or imprisonment, and reduces the fine not to exceed $25.
This bill moves Ohio in the right direction towards reforming the law to ensure penalties are closer matching the severity of the offense.
If you would like to attend the hearing, information may be found here.
Tuesday September 19, 2017
3:00PM in Room 115
2 Capitol Square
Columbus, OH 43215
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