COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Many folks around the Miami Valley are happy with changes taking effect this week in Ohio's gun laws.

Changes in Ohio's concealed weapons law will make it easier to carry hidden guns beginning today.

Concealed weapons permit holders can now keep a gun hidden in a car as long as it is in a secure holster worn by the permit holder.

The law previously required the gun to be in plain sight.

Permit holders also may bring a gun onto school grounds as long as they are in a car to pick up or drop off a child.

The changes also allows holders of valid liquor licenses who are also concealed weapons permit holders to carry a hidden gun on their premises.

Also to change this week is the ability of residents to protect their home, sometimes with deadly force.

Those who act in such a manner will now get the benefit of the doubt. Ohio will adopt a version of the Castle Doctrine, which says that a person using force against an intruder in the home or car is presumed to have acted in self-defense.