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Vote sought on two gun bills

A petition effort aims to force action in the lame-duck session of Ohio House.

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By Josh Sweigart, Staff Writer 8:53 PM Sunday, December 5, 2010

An effort by gun rights proponents to push a pair of controversial bills through Ohio’s lame-duck House is being met with support and skepticism by local lawmakers.

State Rep. Robert Hackett, R-London, plans to sign a petition Tuesday in an attempt to force a vote on a bill that would allow concealed guns in bars and restaurants.

The rarely used petition maneuver, being led by a West Union Republican, could bring to a vote two bills that have passed the Senate but stalled in the House. But it would take 50 signatures to move the bills to the House floor without the consent of the speaker, Armond Budish, who so far has refused to bring it forward. Republicans only hold 46 House seats.

One bill would allow someone with a concealed gun permit to carry a gun in a bar or restaurant as long as he or she wasn’t drinking and the establishment doesn’t prohibit it. It would also loosen laws on how guns can be carried in vehicles. Gov. Ted Strickland said he would sign it.

“I’m not real crazy about mixing alcohol and guns, but it’s an issue where my constituents strongly support it,” Hackett said.

Rep. Ross McGregor, R-Springfield, won’t be signing anything just yet. He isn’t necessarily opposed to the bill, he said, but he sees no reason to rush the bill through without the normal committee review.

“It will probably be just as favorably received if not more favorably received in the next General Assembly,” McGregor said, noting recent GOP gains.

Ohio sheriffs, including Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly, have their reservations.

“The mixing of alcohol and guns is not a good situation,” Kelly said.

Proponents include the Buckeye Firearms Association, which argues the change would put Ohio’s laws in line with neighboring states, and make them less confusing.

The other bill would make it easier for people with certain misdemeanor drug convictions to restore their right to carry guns.

Hackett said he would need more info before signing a petition on this bill. McGregor thinks it needs full committee hearings as well.

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