In the eight years since Ohio passed a concealed weapons law, county sheriffs have issued 296,588 permits to carry firearms in purses, holsters and vehicles, with more than half of those coming since President Barack Obama was elected.
Gun laws are in a spotlight throughout the country as Florida’s Trayvon Martin case and the presidential election heighten debate over who can carry concealed weapons, where they can carry them, and when they can use them for deadly force.
In Ohio, where the legislature in recent years has eased restrictions on concealed carry, even over the objections of some law enforcement groups, a battle is being waged over just where to draw the line.
Five bills currently pending in the Ohio General Assembly would allow permit holders to carry their weapons in state-owned parking garages — such as below the Ohio Statehouse — loosen permit renewal requirements, eliminate required gun safety training and background checks, and automatically expand the system for recognizing CCW permits issued by other states.
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