Buckeye Reporter

On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, Buckeye Firearms Association (BFA) provided testimony in favor of Senate Bill 32. This bill seeks to grant civil immunity to individuals who act in self-defense or to protect members or guests of a nonprofit corporation under certain circumstances. BFA commended Sen. Shaffer's efforts on this issue and urged committee members to pass the bill and bring it to the Senate floor for a vote.

Rob Sexton, Legislative Affairs Director for BFA, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee at 10:30 AM. He stated, "I am here to speak as a proponent of Senator Shaffer's Senate Bill 32, which would provide civil immunity for law-abiding people who act in self-defense or in defense of others within a non-profit organization or at an event organized or as part of a non-profit event."

Sexton highlighted that similar protections had previously been extended to nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses by the General Assembly. He noted that the need for Senate Bill 32 became evident during the 25th Annual National Firearms Law Seminar held by the National Rifle Association (NRA), where legal scholars discussed cases involving selective prosecution against individuals who acted in self-defense.

Sexton explained that being sued can be traumatizing and financially devastating, even if one eventually prevails. "Senate Bill 32 extends civil protection for people who do the right thing," he said. "We want lives to be saved, as we have seen countless times when someone intervenes against a murderer."

He concluded by urging the committee to send the bill for consideration before the full Senate and expressed his willingness to answer any questions from committee members.

---