COLUMBUS — State Representatives Danny Bubp (R-West Union) and Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) recently introduced legislation to amend Ohio’s concealed carry laws to make them simpler and consistent with other states.

Specifically, House Bill 45 will simplify the provisions related to the carrying of firearms in vehicles by eliminating the “micromanaging” provisions that dictate where a gun must be stored in a vehicle, which allows law-abiding citizens to avoid accidental violations. It retains the current procedures that are followed when a licensee is pulled over and approached by a law enforcement official.

The legislation would also permit license holders to carry in establishments that serve alcohol provided that the individual is not consuming alcohol.

It does not change the current law prohibiting an individual from possessing a firearm while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Establishments would still have the authority to prohibit concealed carry.

“In addition to simplifying existing concealed carry laws, House Bill 45 will bring Ohio’s carry regulations in line with most other states’ regulations,” said Bubp. “Of the 48 states that issue concealed carry licenses, 42 allow licensees to carry in restaurants as long as they are not drinking. I don’t think that responsible gun owners in Ohio should be penalized with stricter regulations than gun owners of any other state.”

“When it comes to fine-tuning Ohioans’ Second Amendment rights or allowing them to protect their families, I think it is very important that we make our concealed carry laws as thorough as possible,” said Johnson.

This legislation was originally introduced during the previous General Assembly as Senate Bill 239, which received the support of the National Rifle Association, the Buckeye Firearms Association and Ohioans for Concealed Carry.

House Bill 45 will now be assigned to a House committee, where it will undergo further consideration.