Ohio to hear testimony again on pro-gun law changes

On Wednesday, April 14, at 10:30 a.m. in the South Hearing Room, the Senate Judiciary – Criminal Justice Committee will again be hearing testimony on Senate Bill 239, which would make numerous pro-gun improvements to Ohio’s gun laws.

SB239, sponsored by State Senators Shannon Jones (R-7) and Tim Shaffer (R-31), would eliminate the current confusing standards of carrying a firearm in a motor vehicle. In addition, the proposal would also allow permit holders to carry a firearm for self-defense in a restaurant that serves alcohol, provided they are not consuming, thus eliminating another “victim zone” in Ohio.

As reported earlier, Ohio has overly burdensome stipulations regarding how a concealed firearm must be carried in a motor vehicle. Current law specifies that a firearm must be either be:

1.) In a holster secured on the person.

2.) In a closed case, bag, box, or other container that is in plain sight and that has a lid, a cover, or a closing mechanism with a zipper, snap, or buckle, which must be opened for a person to gain access to the handgun.

3.) The loaded handgun is securely encased by being stored in a closed glove compartment or center console, or in a case that is locked. A locked case does not need to be in plain sight (an unlocked case does).

SB239 is a critical step forward to help assure that Ohio permit holders or permit holders of other states are not arrested for accidentally carrying their firearm in a prohibited manner.

Below is a listing of the members of the Senate Judiciary – Criminal Justice Committee if you would like to contact them in support of this bill.

Committee members:

State Senator Tim Grendell (R-18), Chair
(614) 644-7718

SD18@senate.state.oh.us

State Senator Jim Hughes (R-16), Vice Chair
(614) 466-5981
SD16@senate.state.oh.us

State Senator Nina Turner (D-25)
(614) 466-4583
SD25@maild.sen.state.oh.us

State Senator Kevin Coughlin (R-27)
(614) 466-4823
SD27@senate.state.oh.us

State Senator Keith Faber (R-12)
(614) 466-7584
SD12@senate.state.oh.us

State Senator David Goodman (R-3)
(614) 466-8064
SD03@senate.state.oh.us

State Senator Joe Schiavoni (D-33)
(614) 466-8285
SD33@maild.sen.state.oh.us

State Senator Bill Seitz (R-8)
(614) 466-8068
SD08@senate.state.oh.us

State Senator Shirley Smith (D-21)
(614) 466-4857
SD21@maild.sen.state.oh.us