toledoblade.com --

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Fraternal Order of Police, a union representing 24,000 current and former officers, withdrew its opposition yesterday to a controversial bill allowing Ohioans to carry concealed handguns.

Supporters of the bill believe the move is significant in that Gov. Bob Taft has vowed to veto the measure without the support of law enforcement. The FOP assumed a position of neutrality, but fell just short of voicing outright support.

Spokesman Mike Taylor said the organization had become "comfortable" with the bill.

The governor's office was negotiating with the Senate and meeting with representatives of law-enforcement organizations as the rhetoric against the bill softened.

"As the police organizations become more comfortable with it, he will at least be willing to look at it," said Taft spokesman Joe Andrews. He said the governor is seeking some changes, including a provision requiring gun dealers to offer trigger locks for sale when they sell firearms.

"Even if they put all these things in, it doesn't necessarily mean he will sign the bill," said Mr. Andrews.

The bill, which passed the House in March, already had the support of the Buckeye State Sheriffs Association. But the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police and the Ohio Highway Patrol remain opposed.

The bill is expected to reach the Senate floor tomorrow. Time for passage grows short as House Speaker Larry Householder (R., Glenford) said he plans to bring the two-year session to a close this week.

"We're still negotiating," said Senate President Richard Finan (R., Evendale). "We're committed down the path now to get the bill out."

The bill would allow Ohioans who are at least 21 and have lived in the state at least 45 days to apply for permits to carry concealed handguns on their person or in their cars. They would have to undergo criminal, mental health, and domestic violence background checks, and complete firearm training.

"It was our hope that the [state] Supreme Court would clarify the constitutional status of Ohio's law," said Sen. Jeff Jacobson (R., Brookville), committee chairman. "It has not done so at this point."

The state's high court has before it an appeal of a lower court ruling in Cincinnati declaring Ohio's current ban on carrying concealed handguns unconstitutional.

In part to win the FOP's acquiescence, the Senate Judiciary on Civil Justice Committee amended the bill to:

Prohibit anyone convicted of assault on a police officer from ever obtaining a license to carry.

Increase firearm training requirements from four hours to 12 and require updated training every six years.

Add day-care centers and police stations to the list of places where guns would be prohibited, a list that includes courthouses, prisons, bars, colleges, and churches.

Eliminate the affirmative defense allowing a person caught carrying a concealed handgun without a license to avoid punishment by saying he would have qualified if he'd applied.

The compromises, however, continue to alienate the most ardent guns rights supporters.

"If they add all the provisions that's talked about, it's dead," said Doug Joseph, Ohio Gun Rights Coalition director.

Permanent Link