THE LEGISLATION PASSED THE OHIO SENATE - The Vote Was 20 - 11

Senator Jeff Jacobson began speaking on behalf of Substitute HB274 shortly after 4pm today. After giving a rather lack luster performance that could be paraphased as: "nobody is happy with this bill but we did what the cops and the administration wanted" the Senator sat down. Senator Fingerhut immediately rose to speak against the bill and offer an amendment that would require financial liability coverage for anyone who qualified. Jacobson, in an amazing demonstration of hypocrisy, indicated that Fingerhut's amendment was unconstitutional. The amendment was tabled (failed) 22 to 9.

Another Fingerhut amendment followed. "Using weapons while intoxicated". The amendment was tabled (failed) 19 to 12.

Another Fingerhut amendment followed. This issue was initially described as disqualification of ownership of a firearm. The amendment would delay implementation of the legislation until 80% compliance with a potential database of mental illness applicants to be disqualified. The amendment was tabled (failed) 20 to 11.

Senator Brady (D-23) spoke out against the bill and indicated that nobody in his district supports concealed carry reform. (Editor's note: OFCC Secretary Greg Kopp lives in his district.) Priscilla Mead (R-16) said the majority of her constituents don't support concealed carry. Do you live in her District? Senator Fingerhut (D-25) rose again to compliment Jacobson with snide remarks. Fingerhut made some comments "to Governor Bob Taft" in his speech and said that this legislation doesn't meet the strict rules Taft placed on concealed carry reform. "This is an attack on law enforcement" "We criminalize the behavior of law enforcement" "We are criminalizing it if a Sheriff gives [private information]" "We've exempted [law enforcement] from the fee" (fingerhut, complaining) - Fingerhut was very concerned with the fact that Sheriffs were forced to keep private information private and didn't like the fact that you could sue a Sheriff for violating your rights. "Thats the ultimate indignity to law enforcement"

Fingerhut then accosted Taft over safe storage and Taft's failure to pass safe storage legislation. "Like you, I support the Second Amendment" - Eric Fingerhut "Guns can help us at home, properly stored, but on the street? Come on" (paraphrased)

Senator Espy (D-15): "We knew utimately that a bill was to be passed, the stars just needed to be lined up correctly..[snip].. I call this bill the macho bill because it includes guns" If someone is carrying a gun openly, you can't arrest them anyway. (paraphrased) "I want you to vote no because concealed carry is just another toy to put in our arsenal"

Senator Mallory (D-9): Spoke as someone who grew up in and lived in "the hood" in Cincinnati.

Senator Jordon (R-12): Spoke in favor of the bill. Said his wife would get a license. Told a joke (sorry, I missed it)

Senator Mumper (R-26): Said he'd be brief. Said one of the 60% polls asked if people opposed "more guns being put on the street". Mentioned NRA's Armed Citizen Column. Challenged the opposition to produce examples of crimes that happened blamed on CCW licenses. Ended with a note from a Reverend: Opposes HB274 because of what the Judiciary Committee did to it! (I think this is one of our guys! - I read this letter!)