In recent months, lawmakers in several states have been pushing for less restrictions on firearms, specifically with regards to when, where and how they can be carried. Ohio is the most recent state to join in this fight, with a series of Republican-backed proposals now sweeping the state legislature. Among the proposals is one by Republican Representative Ron Hood which would allow residents who are over the age of 21 and legally able to own a firearm to carry a concealed weapon without a permit.
Currently, state law requires any Ohio resident who wishes to carry a concealed firearm to first undergo firearms safety training and apply for a concealed weapons permit. Representative Hood, however, the new proposal would simply restore citizens’ second amendment rights.
“If bearing arms is a right, it is not the job of the government to require law-abiding citizens to jump through one of the most burdensome processes in the country to exercise,” he said at a legislative hearing, according to the Tallmadge Express.
Another pro-gun proposal comes from Republican Ron Maag who wants to allow concealed carry in places where firearms are currently restricted. If this bill is passed, carry would be allowed in churches, day cares and on college campuses. Individual institutions would have the option of not allowing firearms on the premises but failing to comply would be reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor.
Currently, only five states (Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Vermont and Wyoming) are considered “constitutional carry” states, meaning that one can legally carry a concealed firearm in the state without a permit. However, Kansas will officially become the sixth constitutional carry state on July 1st, 2015 as the result of legislation that was passed earlier this year. There is currently an ongoing battle to allow constitutional carry in several other states, including Idaho, South Dakota and Maine.
