St. Rep. Johnson Announces Passage of Concealed Carry Reciprocity Legislation

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COLUMBUS—State Representative Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) has announced that the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 495, legislation that authorizes the automatic validity in Ohio of a concealed handgun license issued by another state as long as that jurisdiction recognizes Ohio’s license without the need for a reciprocity agreement.

Current law requires the Attorney General to negotiate reciprocity agreements with other states if the other state had eligibility requirements similar to Ohio’s licensure requirements. H.B. 495 will eliminate that requirement, and instead authorizes the Attorney General to determine if another state automatically recognizes Ohio concealed carry licenses without written reciprocity agreements.

In addition to clarifying reciprocity across state lines, this legislation updates the definition of a loaded gun in an automobile to reflect that a magazine containing ammunition must be inserted in the firearm for the gun to be considered loaded. Currently, a gun is considered loaded if both the gun and a loaded clip or speed loader are in a vehicle together. The bill will change the definition so that the gun is not considered loaded unless the speed loader or clip is inserted into the firearm. Furthermore, the bill eliminates the demonstrated competency requirement for a CCW license renewal, instead only requiring applicants to provide proof of training to renew.

“This legislation streamlines the process so that taking a concealed carry license across state lines works in much the same way as a driver’s license,” said Rep. Johnson. “House Bill 495 eases the burden on gun owners traveling from state to state while keeping important safeguards on gun ownership in place.”

House Bill 495 passed by a vote of 57-26 and will now be sent to the Senate for further consideration.

Ohio House Passes Resolution Supporting Improved Medical Treatment for Military Service Members

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COLUMBUS—Today, the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Concurrent Resolution 43, which urges Congress to appropriate funds for the telemedical diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury in military service members and veterans at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.

 

This resolution, sponsored by Representative Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) and Representative Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights), aims to promote the use of better, more efficient technology in Veterans Affairs medical facilities. Many traumatic brain injuries suffered by military service members and veterans remain undiagnosed. This often occurs because many Veterans Affairs medical facilities lack the resources to offer sufficient access to physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist.

 

“It is vitally important that we are offering the best medical care possible to our veterans and military service members,” said Rep. Johnson. “It is unacceptable that Veterans Affairs medical facilities are forced to operate while underfunded, therefore causing them to be unable to provide adequate medical care to some of our society’s most deserving members.”

 

This resolution urges Congress to appropriate funds toward the installation of video teleconference systems in 200 Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, which would provide military service members and veterans with timely and cost-effective access to physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists for the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury.

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Bubp’s and Johnson’s Concealed Carry Legislation Passes from House Committee

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COLUMBUS—State Representatives Danny Bubp (R-West Union) and Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) have announced that House Bill 45—which amends Ohio’s concealed carry laws to make them simpler and consistent with other states—passed from the House State Government and Elections Committee.

 

Specifically, House Bill 45 will simplify the provisions related to the carrying of firearms in vehicles by eliminating the “micromanaging” provisions that dictate where a gun must be stored in a vehicle, which allows law-abiding citizens to avoid accidental violations. It retains the current procedures that are followed when a licensee is pulled over and approached by a law enforcement official.

 

The legislation would also permit license holders to carry in establishments that serve alcohol provided that the individual is not consuming alcohol or under the influence of alcohol, but maintains existing penalties for violations. Private establishments would still have the authority to prohibit concealed carry on their premises.

 

“House Bill 45 is an important step in providing a safe, legal environment for Ohio’s law-abiding citizens with concealed carry permits,” Bubp said.

 

“It is important that Ohio’s concealed carry laws are comprehensive and in line with those of other states,” said Johnson. “Lawful concealed carry licensees in Ohio who have followed the rules and been responsible gun owners should have similar rights and liberties as licensees in other states.”

 

Of the 48 states that issue concealed carry licenses, Ohio is one of only a handful of states that prohibit individuals with a concealed carry license from carrying in a restaurant where liquor is served. This legislation was originally introduced during the previous General Assembly as Senate Bill 239, which received the support of the National Rifle Association, the Buckeye Firearms Association and Ohioans for Concealed Carry.

 

House Bill 45 will move to the House floor for a vote.