December 11, 2007

Mike Kinsey
Coordinator, Ohioans for Concealed Carry
[Personal Contact Info Removed]


Dear Mr. Kinsey:

I received your e-mail on behalf of Ohioans for Concealed Carry regarding "Gun Free Zones". I appreciate your continued interest in this issue.

Please know that as a law-abiding gun owner myself, I am greatly concerned with any issue facing gun owners' rights in Ohio.

As you are likely aware, House Bill 347 sponsored by Representative Aslanides was passed during our previous legislative session. With the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate both voting to override the governor's veto of this legislation; House Bill 347 is now effective Ohio law. House Bill 347 was an important piece of legislation, and I am pleased we were able to accomplish a worthwhile goal in protecting our second amendment rights.

Currently, two pieces of legislation addressing gun-owners' right to defend themselves and their property are being discussed in the House and Senate. House Bill 264, sponsored by Representative Lynn Wachtmann was introduced and referred to the House Criminal Justice Committee on June 13.This measure would provide a criminal defendant who properly establishes the affirmative defense of self-defense or defense of another with immunity from civil liability for damages related to the acts of self-defense or defense of another and to create a rebuttable presumption that a criminal defendant who raises the affirmative defense of self-defense or defense of another acted properly if the defendant or the person defended by the accused was suffering or was about to suffer a felony offense of violence or a forcible trespass upon the home of the defendant or of the person defended by the accused. Additionally, Senator Steve Buehrer introduced Senate Bill 184 as a companion bill to House Bill 264. This measure is being discussed by the Senate Judiciary-Criminal Justice Committee on June 13.

I recognize your concerns related to "Gun Free Zones" and believe that protecting all Ohioans is of the utmost importance. As such, I will certainly be mindful of your views as we address these issues throughout the remainder of the 127th General Assembly.

Again, thank you for your e-mail. I wish you continued success in your leadership of Ohioans For Concealed Carry. If I can be of any further assistance, please contact my office.

Sincerely,

Jon A. Husted
Speaker
Ohio House of Representatives