COLUMBUS — A bill the House passed on Thursday that would let Ohioans get permits to carry hidden guns is opposed by some gun-rights advocates as too restrictive.

        The bill passed 66-27, the exact number of “yes” votes the 99-member House would need to override the veto that Gov. Bob Taft has threatened.

        The bill now goes to the Senate, where its future is unclear, but Senate President Richard Finan has promised hearings. Both the House and Senate are in recess until late April. The Senate passed a similar bill in 1995 that died in the House.

        Jim Ramm, a former Reynoldsburg police officer, said any bill that requires permits to carry concealed weapons violates the Second Amendment guarantees to the right to bear arms.

        “All that we are asking for is a system where a law-abiding citizen can carry a gun without being hassled,” said Mr. Ramm, a member of the Ohio Constitution Defense Council, a gun-rights group.

        Mr. Ramm supported a less restrictive concealed weapons bill that was introduced early last year but died for lack of support.

        The approved proposal would require applicants to submit to a criminal background check and complete training that includes classroom study and firing range experience. Those who receive permits could carry concealed weapons except in bars — with an allowance for undercover police officers — schools, universities, airport terminals, prisons and some other locations.

        Republican Rep. Tom Brinkman of Cincinnati, who introduced the no-permit bill, unsuccessfully tried to amend the current bill to reflect his idea.

Floods don't rise to occasion
3 issues threaten profiling suit deal
Lawyers view church records
Pope's comment welcome locally
Tug-of-war for Hyundai facility
Village officials face obstruction charges
Haitian pleads family hardship
Metro outlines its terminal upgrades
State won't yield city right-of-way
Tristate A.M. Report
UK fans set for sweet victory
Workers to turn in or justify use of cars
BRONSON: No deal
HOWARD: Some Good News
SMITH AMOS: Chief Streicher
WELLS: The Roach report
Ohio House passes concealed weapons bill
School funding talks collapse
Garbage tax OK'd by panel
Ky. senator prepares legal battle
Slot machine proposal waiting on Senate for start