A controversial bill could allow Ohioans 21 and older, with a clean record, to carry concealed firearms without getting a permit first. 

As the law currently stands, to legally carry a concealed firearm Ohioans must first pass a background check, receive eight hours of training and get a permit. But under a proposed law that could change.

"Sixteen other states have already passed a concealed carry law, like the one we are considering here. We haven't seen any upticks in any type of crime related to it," said State Representative Don Manning.

Manning is a co-sponsor of the bill that would no longer require 21 and older law-abiding citizens to receive training and a permit. 

"The argument is the Constitution allows people to keep and bear arms," said Manning.  "It doesn't say anything about any type of specific training that you have to have.  I would still recommend if someone is uncomfortable and they want to carry that they seek out the training."

But, attempts to pass the bill have failed repeatedly.

Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene said he is among those opposed saying that the training is essential.  "They learn how to handle a weapon, they learn gun safety, they learn about self-defense and when they are actually allowed to use the weapon," explained Greene.

The bill would also end a requirement that people carrying concealed weapons have to tell police they have a gun if they're pulled over.

"You don't want accidents to happen, and I just think it's really a good safety issue that the officer is to be told," said Greene.

Ohio already allows people to carry firearms without permits openly.