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A legislative panel on Wednesday advanced a bill that would allow concealed handgun permit holders to avoid prison when they're caught in gun-free zones, despite most testimony objecting to the measure.
The House Federalism and Interstate Relations Committee voted 9 to 3, mostly along party lines, to advance to the chamber's floor House Bill 233, sponsored by Republican Rep. John Becker, R-Union Township.
The bills could be considered on the House floor Thursday
House Bill 233
Members of the military and concealed handgun licensees wouldn't be charged with a crime for carrying a concealed weapon in a gun-free zone, such as a school, if they leave when asked.
HB 142
Wooster Republican Rep. Scott Wiggam's bill would excuse concealed carry holders from informing police they have a weapon when they're stopped.
Fewer people testified on the measures that the lawmakers did not vote on.
HB 201
The bill, sponsored by Republican Reps. Ron Hood of Ashville and Tom Brinkman of Cincinnati, also would repeal the state requirement that concealed weapons holders notify police that they're carrying a gun.
It also expands other conceal carry rights. It would allow adults age 21 and older to carry a concealed firearm without obtaining a concealed handgun license, unless they're prohibited under federal law. All legal firearms would be allowed, not just handguns.
Rosie Craig, a private citizen who opposed all three bills, reminded lamwakers they were meeting in a room at the Statehouse named after President James Garfield, an Ohioan who was assassinated.
"He was taken away from us by a madman with delusional grudge who carried a large barrel concealed pistol," she said.