Ohio lawmakers have introduced Senate Bill 303, a measure that would allow adults aged 18 to 20 to purchase handguns from federally licensed dealers if federal restrictions are overturned. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) and supported by the Buckeye Firearms Association (BFA), was introduced on October 21 as a preemptive step in anticipation of possible changes in federal law.
Currently, federal law bars licensed firearms dealers from selling handguns to individuals under 21. However, ongoing legal challenges could change this standard. If the U.S. Supreme Court decides these restrictions are unconstitutional, Ohio’s proposed legislation would align state law accordingly.
Dean Rieck, executive director of the Buckeye Firearms Association, said: “While Sen. Jonson’s bill will not change federal law, it will prepare Ohio for the coming Supreme Court challenge to change the law regarding handgun purchases for those 18 to 20 years old.”
The issue highlights contradictions in current gun laws. While both federal and state laws prohibit licensed dealers from selling handguns to people under 21, unlicensed individuals may legally transfer handguns to adults aged 18 or older within their own state if the recipient is not otherwise prohibited by law.
Rieck commented on these inconsistencies: “Eighteen-year-olds can vote, drive, carry weapons in war, get married, raise children, enter into contracts, open bank accounts, serve on juries, make personal medical decisions, play the lottery, buy cigarettes, and participate in most other adult activities,” he said. “It makes no sense that they are deprived of gun rights.” He also noted that most gun crimes involve individuals already disqualified from legal ownership who obtain guns illegally.
Legal rulings across various jurisdictions have been inconsistent. The Fifth Circuit struck down the federal ban for Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas; meanwhile the Tenth Circuit upheld age-based sales prohibitions in Colorado; and the Fourth Circuit recently upheld the existing federal ban. In July 2024 however, the Eighth Circuit ruled Minnesota’s concealed carry ban for young adults unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court has so far declined review of some cases but may soon decide whether adults under age 21 should have full Second Amendment rights regarding handgun purchases.
Adam Kraust of the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), which is seeking Supreme Court review in Brown v. ATF—a challenge to current federal rules—said: “The issue of 18-20-year-olds purchasing handguns is split between two circuit courts across the nation. Additionally, the circuit courts are split as to the ability of this age group being able to acquire and carry firearms more broadly. There is no doubt that adults under 21 are part of ‘the People’ and therefore should be afforded the same rights as other adults, and in particular, be able to fully exercise their Second Amendment rights by purchasing a handgun — the ‘quintessential self-defense weapon.’”
S.B. 303 follows previous efforts in Ohio aimed at changing definitions around firearm accessories but differs by focusing specifically on aligning with potential changes at the federal level regarding young adult handgun purchases.
The General Assembly continues consideration of multiple firearm-related bills this session.
