COLUMBUS — For the first time in seven years, a bill that would let people carry concealed handguns in Ohio moved out of a state legislative committee Wednesday.

        But it could soon stall.

        The bill would allow gun owners to get a permit to carry a concealed weapon. The House Civil and Commercial Law committee voted 8-3 to forward it to the full House. Lawmakers made several changes to the proposal, but they were not enough to win the support of state law enforcement groups or Gov. Bob Taft.

        Lawmakers “don't have to deal with the crazy folks or the bad folks,” said Col. Ken Morckel, superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. “We do.”

        Mr. Taft has said he will not sign any measure that does not have law enforcement support, which means the bill may never become law.

        Lawmakers changed a training program needed to get a concealed weapon permit to reflect similar programs offered by the National Rifle Association. The training includes classroom study, four hours on a firing range and legal instruction on owning a gun.

        Another amendment lets gun owners choose between being fingerprinted or listing their Social Security numbers on their applications. In earlier versions of the bill, fingerprinting was required only if a person continues to apply for a permit after failing a criminal background check.

        “We're not blazing new trails, however supporters of conceal and carry continue to increase,” said James Aslanides, R-Coshocton, the bill's chief sponsor. He said some people carry concealed weapons now with no training.

        This is the first time since 1995 a concealed-weapons bill has passed a committee. Just how far it goes in the legislature may depend on whether sponsor lawmakers can sway law enforcement groups or the governor to their side.

        “The governor's position hasn't changed unless the police unions are behind it or neutral on it,” said Joe Andrews, a spokesman for Mr. Taft.

        The next step for the legislation will be the House floor, although Jennifer Detwiler, the spokeswoman for House Speaker Larry Householder, R-Glenford, wouldn't speculate on the time frame.

        “The bill will come to the floor when it has wide support from Democrats and Republicans,” she said.

        A conceal and carry organization that had opposed the measuredoesn't think Mr. Taft should be listening to police interest groups.

        “The governor should not be looking at law enforcement to decide. He should be looking at the Constitution,” said Jeff Garvas, president of Ohioans for Concealed Carry.

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