Miller Votes to Support Second Amendment Right

COLUMBUS – State Representative Kevin Miller supported a major Second Amendment bill Wednesday that supports the right of law-abiding Ohioans to protect themselves and their loved ones.

House Bill 227 is a “permit-less” carry plan that would allow law-abiding Ohioans to carry a concealed handgun without first obtaining a government-issued permit. 

“This is an important victory for self-defense and for the constitutional rights of Ohioans,” said Miller (R-Newark).

He said the bill is the result of extensive work in the legislature, and was crafted with input from many perspectives, including the National Rifle Association and Buckeye Firearms Association. 

Ohio currently has a concealed-carry license system. It would not be eliminated by the bill but instead would become optional for law-abiding Ohioans who wish to secure a concealed-carry license.

Ohio will retain its reciprocity with other states, but in order for an Ohioan to carry a concealed weapon in those states they must obtain a concealed carry permit.

Other key highlights of the bill include:

• A provision requiring an individual to notify a police officer if the person is carrying a concealed handgun when asked by the officer.
• Maintaining current law and does not require churches to identify as "soft targets" by requiring posting of "no concealed carry" signs and leaves the decision of who carries with those that oversee the church. 

Miller also showed his support for House Bill 99, a bill to improve school safety. The legislation will enhance school safety measures by enabling school districts to have local control of training requirements for arming teachers.

“HB 99 allows individual school districts to arm employees after they have received mandated training.  In rural school districts, like many of the communities I represent, every second counts with the response time from first responders,” added Miller.

Under the bill, a school employee must complete concealed carry permit training in order to carry a firearm on school premises. Current law requires school employees to complete peace officer training, which is over 750 hours. In addition to the CCW training requirement, school boards have the ability to determine any further requirements necessary for employees. 

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.