Explanation
The State of Ohio recently enacted a "concealed carry law" (HB 12) that allows citizens to carry concealed weapons with proper registration. While several public venues and facilities are exempted, public parks are not. And despite municipal home rule powers in Ohio, which Columbus exercises, the law was written in such manner as to override such local authority in this instance.
On a daily basis tens of thousands of children and families use Columbus parks. Parks should be a safe haven for citizens without the threat of assault from handguns. Columbus City Council joins the Mayor in strongly urging swift reconsideration on the part of the Ohio General Assembly to amend HB 12 to extend prohibition of concealed carry weapons to public parks.
Title
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Columbus to strongly urge the Ohio General Assembly to immediately amend HB 12 to extend the ban on concealed carry weapons to public parks to protect the safety of families and residents.
Body
WHEREAS, in January, 2004 the Ohio General Assembly passed and the Ohio Governor signed into law HB 12, allowing for "concealed carry" of weapons with proper registration; and,
WHEREAS, while HB 12 specifically prohibits concealed weapons in several public areas, such as police stations; school safety zones; airports; universities; churches and other places of worship; public buildings, including recreation centers; and child care centers among others; it did not similarly exempt public parks; and,
WHEREAS, HB 12 was passed in such a manner as to supercede Home Rule powers granted to Ohio municipalities by the Ohio Constitution to regulate activity within their boundaries to protest the safety of its citizens in the manner most appropriate to its individual needs; and,
WHEREAS, Columbus has over 7,000 acres of developed park land at 240 separate sites, which tens of thousands of children and families visit daily seeking a safe, fun atmosphere for recreation; and,
WHEREAS, public safety is the highest duty of municipal government, a purpose and obligation integral to Columbus policy and operations; and,
WHEREAS, concealed carry weapons in parks are inconsistent and incongruous with that duty, and pose a clear threat to park visitors and endanger families; and,
WHEREAS, for the aforesaid reasons it is imperative that the Ohio General Assembly immediately reconsider HB 12 for the purpose of its amendment to extend the ban on carrying concealed weapons to public parks; Now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council strongly urges the Ohio General Assembly to reconsider HB 12 for the purpose of immediately amending said law to extend the ban on carrying concealed weapons to public parks.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be presented to Governor Robert Taft, the Ohio General Assemby leadership, and the Columbus deligation.
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