Now, the pro-Second Amendment squad is making some headway in the Buckeye State.
For example, on November 17, 2021, the Ohio State House passed Substitute House Bill 227 on a vote of 60-32.
Now, the bill must go through the Senate before it ends up on Governor Mike DeWine’s desk.
Like most Constitutional Carry bills, HB 227 would make licensed concealed carry optional. Individuals who travel a lot would benefit from this bill because of how it preserves reciprocity agreements with other states that allow Ohio residents to carry a concealed firearm when they’re visiting.
“Ohio is far behind other states in recognizing Ohioans’ right to freely carry firearms without a burdensome licensing process,” declared Dean Rieck, Executive Director of Buckeye Firearms Association. “There is no other Constitutional right where we tolerate so many barriers. In 21 other states, no licensing is required. It is time for Constitutional Carry in Ohio.”
HB 227 also rectifies one of the more annoying aspects of Ohio’s gun control laws, the so-called “duty to inform.” Under current law, a person who has an encounter with law enforcement must “promptly” inform an officer that they are carrying a firearm with them. Several police agencies and prosecutors have interpreted the word “promptly” quite differently, which has left gun owners in a vulnerable position and constantly worried about if they’re breaking the law.
Currently, Ohio is one of 9 states that places the burden of notification on the person who carries a firearm. HB 227 clears up ambiguity of Ohio’s current law by making it clear that a person must notify an officer only when a law enforcement officer asks them during a stop.
A similar bill is going through the Ohio Senate. Senate Bill 215, which is sponsored by Senator Terry Johnson. SB 215 has received two hearings in the Senate Veterans and Public Safety Committee.
Now, it’s up to the Senate to pass Constitutional Carry. Ohio’s gun laws, while not bad, still leave a lot to be desired. According to Guns & Ammo magazine’s rankings for most gun-friendly states and concealed carry laws, Ohio is ranked in 23rd and 34th place, respectively.
Passing Constitutional Carry would help Ohio improve its pro-Second Amendment image and give residents more opportunities to defend themselves during a time when crime is growing nationwide.
To stay up to date on all the threats coming from the gun grabbers in Washington and beyond, sign up for email alerts from Pro-Gun News by clicking this link.
