Ohio: House Committee Hearing “Duty to Inform” Bill

[Charlie T Waite]

Tomorrow, the House State and Local Government Committee is hearing House Bill 89 to amend Ohio’s “duty to inform” law. Please contact committee members and ask them to SUPPORT HB 89.

House Bill 89 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 results in a misdemeanor.

By eliminating this requirement, it acknowledges 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 committee members and ask them to SUPPORT HB 89