Testified in an Ohio House Committee hearing yesterday about our CCW law
So yesterday was a first for me. I testified before the Ohio House Federalism Committee. They were having a hearing to hear testimony about HB 425. This bill changes the part of our CCW law that requires a citizen with a Concealed Handgun License to notify an LEO that they are armed if they are stopped for a traffic stop or some other “law enforcement purpose”. We are one of the few states that require this.
I have issues with the way this law was written and have been getting seriously pissed at the State FOP lodge for there constant opposition to pro-gun legislation. So I decided to speak my mind. The State FOP guys were there and gave opposition to the bill. From what I was told, I’m pretty sure I’m the first LEO that has testified as a proponent of this bill and a bunch of others.
The State FOP guys told the Committee that they represent 25k+ members and that they oppose the bill for Officer safety reasons.
I know we have some OH LEOs here and was wondering your thoughts on the matter. I plan on going to another hearing in the future and doing some research. I’ve got 2 questions for you:
1. Is the notification requirement necessary for Officer safety reasons?
2. Are you a member of the FOP?
Here’s a link to the bill: http://search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/s.../00?format=pdf
And a link to all of the testimony from the hearing (my testimony starts between 13-14 minutes):http://www.ohiochannel.org/collectio...lism-committee
Feel free to answer if you’re an LEO from another state, but please let me know what state.