COLUMBUS — A retooled bill that would allow most Ohioans to carry hidden guns still faced opposition Wednesday, despite attempts by its backers to make it more attractive to those who have criticized the idea.

        Rep. Ann Womer Benjamin, chairwoman of the House Civil and Commercial Law subcommittee that is holding hearings on the bill, introduced a substitute version. The subcommittee will have at least one more hearing before sending it to the full committee.

        Speaker Larry Householder, a Glenford Republican, said the full House likely would vote on the bill, but he declined to say when that would occur.

        The substitute bill makes it easier for some to apply for a permit than the original bill. For Ohioans who have lived in the state at least four years, applicants would not have to undergo electronic fingerprint checks if a sheriff or police chief gave the applicant a certificate of identity.

        Residents who have lived in the state less than four years would have to submit to the electronic fingerprinting. All applicants would be subject to a criminal background check.

        Among other changes, the substitute bill:

        • Waives the $35 permit fee and firearms training certification for most retired law-enforcement and corrections officers.

        • Prohibits the carrying of concealed weapons in public colleges and universities.

        • Allows law-enforcement and corrections officers who are off-duty to carry weapons in bars, provided the officers are not drinking alcoholic beverages.

        The bill still has opponents on both sides of the issue, including Gov. Bob Taft, who says he will not support the idea of concealed weapons unless law enforcement groups drop their opposition.

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