Should Ohio let people with concealed weapons into gun-free zones, like schools?

Ohio's House of Representatives adopted a bill this past week that would allow concealed handgun license holders to avoid prosecution if they are to carry weapons into gun-free zones, including schools.

Under the bill adopted by a 64 to 31 margin, licensees wouldn't face criminal charges if they leave a gun-free area when asked to do so. Current law subjects people caught with concealed weapons in most government buildings to a fifth degree felony charge, subject to a prison sentence up to a year and a fine up to $2,500.

State law lists dozens of areas where concealed weapons are forbidden: police stations, sheriff's offices, highway patrol posts, correctional institutions, courthouses, churches, universities and school safety zones. Private business owners can also post a sign banning concealed weapons in their businesses.

Advocates of the bill said it would protect law-abiding citizens who forget they're carrying a weapon and inadvertently go into gun-free areas. Its sponsor, Union Township GOP Rep. John Becker, said it has protections against habitual offenders: If someone returns to a gun-free business or other location within 30 days, they'd face 30 days behind bars and a $250 fine.

The bill adopted along party lines was opposed by organizations including the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association and the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police. The Ohio Chamber of Commerce argued it strips business owners of their private property rights to decide whether they want concealed weapons in their establishments.

Ohio's state senate will consider the bill after its summer recess.

Do you think Ohio should let people with handgun permits avoid prosecution for bringing weapons into areas where guns are banned? Share your views here during a discussion from 11 a.m. to 12:30 for today's edition of "Talk It Out," a civil, moderated, constructive conversation on this topic in the comments section below.

Gun control is an issue that most everyone has an opinion on but how do you feel about it? As a military retiree, father of 4 and background in criminal justice my opinion is that people with concealed weapons 'could' be allowed in gun-free zones, including schools, but only with regulations. I feel that annual training (8 hour class) should be required along with an annual BCSI background check. If those requirements are met then those individuals could receive additional identification that must be maintained on them at all times to verify they have met the conditions. Cities that have extremely harsh laws against weapon ownership like Chicago have proven that gun control does not work. Most gun owners and advocates for gun ownership are for background checks and some regulations because they want to see everyone as a responsible gun owner. I'd like to hear from others on their opinions about this new bill.