An Ohio house committee recommends that the full chamber approve the latest version of a concealed weapons bill.

The Criminal Justice Committee approved the bill along strict party lines, with majority Republicans prevailing. All the Democrats on the committee are from urban areas, which suffer more crime than the suburbs and rural areas most Republicans represent.

The bill allows Ohioans to apply for permits to carry hidden guns, as long as they pass a background check and complete a 12-hour training course.

Gov. Taft says he won't support the bill as long as the State Highway Patrol and police chiefs oppose it. Both groups repeated their opposition in testimony before the committee Wednesday.