Republicans want no gun laws at all, remember? :)
Governor Taft Eager To Sign Concealed Carry Bill
http://www.wcpo.com/news/2004/local/01/07/guns.htmlBut with more guns on the street, does law enforcement agree?
*SNIP*
"Just about everyone in law enforcement I've talked to don't have a problem with a law abiding citizen, someone without a criminal record and the qualifications carries a concealed weapon," said Mike Allen, Hamilton County Prosecutor.
After the governor signs the law, people who apply for permits have to pay a fee, undergo background checks and undergo training.
Also, as a compromise to pass the law, the names of people who receive a permit will be available to the news media and those names could be printed in the newspaper or broadcast on television.
http://governor.ohio.gov/releases/010704ccwstatement.htmTAFT RELEASES STATEMENT ON HOUSE BILL 12
COLUMBUS (January 7, 2004) - Governor Bob Taft today released the following statement:
"I would like to commend the Ohio House and Senate for working together to craft a reasonable concealed carry law for the State of Ohio.
"The goal of concealed carry legislation is to allow law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and their families when they feel their lives may be in danger. I have strongly advocated for a bill that includes mandatory training, strict background checks and support from law enforcement groups; and recently, have
demanded that the law allow public access to permit holder information so that we can ensure that the right people are getting permits, and that the wrong people aren't."The bill allows members of the media to access permit holders' names and birth dates by requesting a list from the county sheriff issuing the permits. While I would have preferred that the public have full access to the information, I believe that this is a reasonable compromise that will hold the permit system accountable for compliance with the law.
"The bill also includes other safeguards we supported: mandatory training-classroom and live fire; background checks; removal of most affirmative defenses; increased penalties for violating the law; numerous locations where carrying a concealed weapon is prohibited; the ability for businesses to prohibit concealed carry on their property; inclusion of permit holder data into the law enforcement LEADS database; and provisions that encourage safe weapon storage.
"HB 12 balances the Second Amendment rights I have strongly supported with public safety and public records concerns. I look forward to signing it."