Gun-bill changes displease both sides

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Gun-bill changes displease both sides Proposal aims to allow concealed weapons By Laura A. Bischoff e-mail address: laura_bischoff@coxohio.comColumbus Bureau COLUMBUS | An amended bill that would allow Ohioans to carry concealed weapons isn't likely to satisfy gun-rights advocates or anti-gun groups.Immediately after the substitute House Bill 274 was introduced by state Rep. Ann Womer Benjamin, R-Aurora, it came under attack from both sides.Toby Hoover, director of the Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence, said the amendments make it less restrictive than the original bill. Doug Joseph, director of the Ohio Gun Rights Coalition, said, "Anyone who supports this garbage is flushing away his or her constitutional rights."The bill would allow Ohioans to get permits from their county sheriff to carry concealed weapons in their purses, pockets or cars. Most recent changes include shortening the time an applicant has to be an Ohio resident to 45 days from 60 and prohibiting carrying concealed weapons in bars, except for police and prison guards who aren't consuming alcohol.But the Fraternal Order of Police has said it wants more stringent training requirements before the police union will change its opposition to a neutral position. The Ohio Highway Patrol and the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police oppose the legislation. The Buckeye Sheriffs Association supports it. Gov. Bob Taft has said he will veto any bill that does not have law enforcement's support.More than 75 witnesses have weighed in on the bill since hearings began this year. The amended bill might be voted out of subcommittee after a hearing next week. Then it will go to the full committee for more hearings, said House Speaker Larry Householder, R-Glenford. Contact Laura Bischoff at (614) 224-1624 or e-mail her at laura_bischoff@coxohio.com http://www.activedayton.com/ddn/local/1011guns.html