State Rep. Al Landis, R-Dover
Gun legislation approved last week by the Ohio House is more than just a "stand your ground" bill, area lawmakers say.
"It's been tagged with the label, 'Stand Your Ground Law,' but that's only one component," said state Rep. Al Landis, R-Dover. "There are so many other moving parts — it strengthens the criminal background check in Ohio. If it passes, all applicants also will go through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
"Ohio also would recognize Carrying Concealed Weapons permits from outside of our state, if they recognize Ohio's CCW. That's an important part of the bill. Currently, that has to be a
negotiated, written agreement with other states individually."
The legislation passed the Ohio House on a 62-27 vote Wednesday and now heads to the Senate. Among changes, it would:
n Eliminate the requirement that a person reside in Ohio to receive or renew a concealed handgun license;
n Eliminate the current 12-hour training requirement, substituting a minimum of four training hours in the safe handling and use of a firearm;
n Waive certain concealed-carry license renewal requirements for members of the armed forces, Peace Corps or foreign service while on active duty and for six months afterward.
But a provision that expands the list of circumstances under which people can use force without the duty to retreat first attracted the most attention — and protests as the measure was being debated in the House.
