Around half of the House Republicans in Ohio have now expressed their support for a newly proposed bill, which some have now started calling the Constitutional Carry Bill, to be passed into law. The new bill would essentially allow all law-abiding citizens in the state to carry a concealed weapon without having to apply for a carry permit. The measure had also received the full support of the governor of the state of Ohio, Mike DeWine, who had reportedly already signed it.

The proposed bill, House Bill 174, was introduced by Rep. Ron Hood of Ashville and Rep. Tom Brinkman of Cincinnati. Shortly after it was filed in the clerk’s office, the bill was then co-sponsored by 27 out of the 61 majority House Republicans.

The new legislation would allow anyone over the age of 21 to carry a concealed firearm without the need for background checks or a permit. However, only citizens that have no prior criminal records or those that are not disqualified under federal law will be allowed to carry guns.

In support of the proposed legislation, a group of gun advocates carrying a variety of firearms with them had gathered around the Statehouse last week. The rally was reportedly organized to thank the state’s lawmakers for passing the legislation. On the other side of a barricade placed near the plaza of the Statehouse, gun-safety advocates had also rallied in protest. Dozens of State Highway Patrol troopers were deployed in the area to make sure the rally wouldn’t become violent.

As of the moment, anyone in Ohio who wants to carry a weapon with them would have to obtain a permit from a county sheriff’s office. The US$67 permit would also include a criminal background check and mandatory eight-hour training with a certified instructor. The training also includes a two-hour live firing exercise.

According to the state governor’s press secretary, Governor DeWine has already approved the proposed legislation and will help it pass through the legislative process. The governor has apparently also expressed his intention of protecting the Second Amendment Rights of all Ohio citizens.