Buckeye Firearms Association (BFA) recently testified before the Ohio Senate General Government Committee in support of Senate Bill 279. The bill, introduced by Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott), aims to prevent businesses, state agencies, or political subdivisions from discouraging or prohibiting law enforcement officers from carrying weapons while off duty.
The committee held its third hearing on November 18. During the second hearing on October 21, Rob Sexton, BFA’s legislative affairs director, delivered testimony supporting the measure.
“Madame Chair, members of the Senate General Government Committee, I am here to offer proponent testimony on behalf of Buckeye Firearms Association (BFA) for Senate Bill 279, which would provide some enforcement teeth to Ohio’s law permitting off duty police officers to carry a firearm into places open to the public. BFA is Ohio’s premier defender of the Second Amendment and the rights of Ohio’s 4-million-gun owners,” Sexton said.
He explained that Ohio law has allowed armed self-defense for years through measures such as Concealed Handgun Licenses and Permitless Carry. He noted that police officers are permitted by law to carry firearms even in areas where civilians cannot.
“Ohio law has long established the concept that we’re safer when law abiding people are armed and able to protect themselves. Laws passed along this line by the General Assembly over the last 20 years include Concealed Handgun Licenses, the repeal of the Duty to Retreat, the establishment of Castle Doctrine, and most recently, the ability of school staff to be armed and Permitless Carry,” he stated.
Sexton added that guidance from the Ohio Attorney General supports allowing off-duty officers with identification who are not under influence or consuming alcohol to carry firearms in public spaces. Despite this guidance and existing laws, there have been cases where off-duty officers were denied entry due to their firearms.
“Unfortunately, despite the clear-cut language of the law, and the clear guidance of the Attorney General, instances where off duty officers are denied entry due to their firearms continue to occur, even when these businesses have been informed of the law. Senate Bill 279 addresses this issue in three fashions,” he said.
According to Sexton’s testimony:
– The bill clarifies that business owners will not be liable for actions related to an armed police officer on their premises.
– It introduces a civil penalty of $10,000 per occurrence for violations.
– It requires businesses found at fault to pay attorney fees for those filing complaints regarding denial based on firearm possession by an off-duty officer.
“Senate Bill 279 is about making us safer in an increasingly violent society. It ensures that trained police officers are able to carry a firearm when off duty as long as they are able to provide identification and provided they are not under the influence or consuming alcohol,” Sexton concluded.
“Buckeye Firearms Association is pleased to support this legislation, and grateful to Senator Johnson for introducing it. We encourage the Senate General Government Committee to pass SB 279 to allow the full Senate to bring it to a vote. I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you.”
