DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — Gov. Bob Taft, who has vetoed only two bills in his eight years in office, will veto a gun bill that lawmakers approved Wednesday, said Jon Allison, Taft's chief of staff.

The bill would bar cities from passing local firearms regulations, wiping out 80 ordinances in more than 20 Ohio communities, including Dayton.

Supporters, including the National Rifle Association, say a uniform state law is needed so gun owners don't face a patchwork of local rules. Opponents, including the Ohio Municipal League, argue that it tramples on cities' constitutional rights to self-governance.

Taft is concerned about pre-empting local governments from regulating all firearms issues. He has 10 days after receiving the bill to sign or veto it. It takes 60 votes in the House and 20 in Senate to override a veto.

The Senate passed the bill Wednesday 19-10, largely along party lines. The House concurred with the Senate changes, 74-14. The House originally passed it 76-19 on March 8.

The bill also revises Ohio's concealed-carry weapons law.

Currently, permitted guns must be in plain sight when carried in vehicles. Gun advocates wanted to be able to carry the guns in holsters or purses, arguing that would be safer than leaving a gun on the car seat or floor. The new bill says a permit holder in a vehicle may have the gun in a holster, bag, purse or glovebox, but if stopped by police, must immediately tell police a gun is in the car.

Taft has vetoed two other bills, plus line items in budget bills, a spokesman said.