Ohio: “Duty to Inform” Legislation Scheduled for Senate Committee Hearing

[Charlie T Waite]

Tomorrow at 3:00pm, the Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee is scheduled to consider legislation amending Ohio’s “Duty to Inform” law, House Bill 425.  Please contact members of the committee and ask that they please SUPPORT House Bill 425.

House Bill 425 removes the requirement that a concealed handgun licensee notify a law enforcement officer that they are carrying a concealed handgun when stopped for a law enforcement purpose, like a routine traffic stop. 

Under current law, when a concealed handgun licensee comes into contact with a law enforcement officer the individual must immediately inform the law enforcement officer that they are carrying a concealed handgun.  Failure to inform law enforcement would result in a misdemeanor. 

By eliminating this requirement, HB 425 is acknowledging a simple human behavior; when pulled over, most individuals are not thinking about the “duty to inform” requirement.  Most are contemplating what particular driving action may have resulted in their detainment, whether it be for speeding or another type of moving violation.  To add another element in the “traffic stop” process for the driver is confusing at best and may result in an unintended criminal penalty and an additional fine.

Again, please contact members of the Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee and ask them to support House Bill 425.