Prior to the summer recess Ohioans For Concealed Carry urged our supporters to get their Senators to pass HB347 before the summer recess -- because we knew if it didn't pass before the summer recess it was very unlikely that the legislature would pass a controversial bill right before they need to get re-elected.  Tonight, we can report that the Associated Press has confirmed that dreaded thought and HB347 is all but dead:

The focus of a bill that would remove restrictions in the law allowing Ohioans to carry hidden guns has narrowed to a few issues, notably the safety of permit holders in cars and police officers who approach them and the rights of cities to set their own weapons bans.

Senate leaders say the issues aren't likely to be resolved before the November elections.

HB12's original source of poison pill amendments come from Governor Bob Taft's office wrapped in the guise of law enforcement concerns:

The patrol is working with Senate leaders on how to protect the safety of police officers, Lt. Shawn Davis said.

"We need something that our officers and other officers feel will ensure their safety," he said. "We feel comfortable that working with leadership that we'll come to an agreement."

Sadly, statewide pre-emption of gun laws may be the victim of Republicans stalling a key GOP platform (gun rights).  Despite the fact that there is ample proof that Ohio needs statewide pre-emption lawmakers, including Governor Bob Taft, are now balking at the idea of such a reform.

Backers of the prohibition say gun owners traveling across Ohio need assurance that their weapons are legal everywhere. However, some call the action an intrusion into cities' rights of home rule.

"I support the bill in its current form, but I'm concerned about questions being raised by municipalities," said Sen. Mark Dann, a Youngstown-area Democrat who is his party's candidate for attorney general. Dann was endorsed by OFCC in the primary election.

The full story can be read on the Akron Beacon Journal's website:  Concealed carry bill boils down to safety, city rights issues