COLUMBUS, Ohio — A bill introduced by a Pickaway County lawmaker would no longer require Ohio residents to have a permit or training in order to carry a concealed weapon.
The bill proposed by Rep. Ron Hood (R-Ashville) would allow those over 21 to carry any legal firearm, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Currently, Ohioans with a concealed carry permit have to undergo background checks and training and pay for a permit with their picture on it.
Supporters of the proposed new bill say those requirements violate citizens’ constitutional rights. Opponents say the removal of background checks could be a public health risk and the absence of training before someone carries a firearm could be dangerous.
Just last month, a new state law went into effect relaxing requirements for concealed carry permits and allowing hunters to use noise suppressors. Required training time went from 12 hours to 8.
