Concealed Carry Handgun Act

House Bill 12, the conceal carry handgun law; will take effect on April 7, 2004. The act allows certain Ohioans to carry concealed handguns if they obtain a state-issued permit. A limited list of facilities was exempted from the provisions of the bill; however, HB 12 does permit private entities to determine whether to allow concealed handguns in their facilities. An entity may be considered a "concealed carry" free entity by posting notices, developing policies and procedures, and training staff on the provisions of the law. 

1. Post signs in conspicuous places, such as all entrances to buildings and parking lots, prohibiting all firearms and handguns on the property or premises. These signs should be directed to all persons who enter the property or premises, including employees, patients, guests, visitors, customers and vendors. 
2. Have a policy or rule prohibiting employees from bringing handguns into all areas of the workplace, including parking lot areas. Make the policy known to all new and existing employees and include it in the employee handbook. Violations of the policy should be disciplined accordingly.
3. Have a policy or rule prohibiting clients, guests, visitors, patients, and vendors from bringing handguns onto the employer's property or premises. Again this policy should extend to the entire premises, including parking lot areas. Include in the policy actions to be taken if a guest, patient, vendor, or visitor brings a concealed handgun onto the property, such as removal from the premises and reports to the police.

A copy of HB 12, as enacted, may be obtained from the State's website at www.legislature.state.oh.us