Ohio lawmakers are moving forward with several firearms-related bills, gaining support from the Buckeye Firearms Association (BFA). The association has recently endorsed three new bills focused on firearm safety and tax incentives.
House Bill 120, introduced by Representatives Darnell Brewer (D-Cleveland) and Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester), aims to exempt firearm safety devices from sales and use tax. The bill was submitted to the House Ways and Means Committee on February 26, with its initial hearing held on May 14.
Another measure, House Bill 235, proposes a nonrefundable income tax credit for handgun training and the purchase of firearms storage and locking devices. This bill is also sponsored by Representative Brewer, along with Representative Meredith Lawson (D-Reynoldsburg), and was referred to the committee on April 30.
House Bill 330 seeks to establish a four-month annual sales tax holiday for firearm safety and storage devices. Sponsored by Representatives Kellie Deeter (R-Norwalk) and Tex Fischer (R-Boardman), it was directed to the House Ways and Means Committee on June 11. Additionally, Deeter and Fischer have proposed House Bill 331, which aims to redefine suppressors in legal terms by removing them from the category of dangerous ordnance.
Dean Rieck, executive director of BFA, stated that these legislative efforts promote household safety without compromising Second Amendment rights. “We have always supported training and safe firearm storage as long as there are no government mandates,” Rieck explained. “It should be up to each individual to exercise their constitutional rights as they see fit.”
For more information on BFA’s stance regarding current firearms-related legislation in Ohio’s 136th General Assembly, individuals can visit their Legislation page.
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