Concealed Carry Changes
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Posted: 6:59 PM Sep 8, 2008
Concealed Carry Changes
WTAP News
it's been four years since Ohio's concealed gun permit law went into effect. There are now some changes to that law...and they're getting mixed reviews.
Reporter: Todd Baucher
Email Address: todd.baucher@wtap.com
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Judging by the response, the Buckeye State's concealed weapon permit system has been a success.

"If you have the permit to carry it, you obviously went through everything to get the right to carry it," says Marietta resident Challis Howe.

But now, there are some changes to that law. Permit holders can now keep a gun hidden in a car, as long as the permit holder wears a holster to keep it secure.

Washington County Prosecutor James Schneider, however, notes that keeping it in a car isn't anything new.

"Even before the law was changed, you were always allowed to carry a loaded gun in a car if you in a specific business," Schneider says. "If, say, you were closing up your business and taking a large sum of money to a bank, you could show that that was an affirmative defense to the original crime."

But another new provision allows permit holders to bring a gun onto school grounds, as long as they're in a car to pick up or drop off a child at school.

"There are too many kids in cars who could get a hold of it," says Coolville resident Doug Weekley. "They shouldn't be allowed on school grounds anyway. There are too many things that have happened with guns on school grounds."

Prosecutor Schneider isn't a supporter of the concealed carry law, but he does note that his office is seeing fewer cases involving concealed weapons.

"We're only seeing files now of people with prior criminal histories," he says. "If they're in violation, we get those files. If an ordinary citizen is stopped, they get seven days go get a permit to carry the weapon."

The changes also allow holders of valid liquor licenses who are also concealed weapons permit holders to carry a hidden gun on their premises.

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