Buckeye Reporter

As the 135th Ohio General Assembly approaches its conclusion, several gun-related bills remain in various stages of progress. While some have seen advancement, others have stalled in committee.

Among the bills supported by those advocating for reduced firearm regulations is HB 51, sponsored by Mike Loychik and Jean Schmidt. This bill aims to enhance protections for the right to bear arms and remove federal firearms law references from state law. It has been stalled in the House Rules and Reference Committee since December 2023.

HB 186, proposed by Darnell Brewer and Sean Brennan, seeks to exempt firearm safety devices from sales tax but has not moved forward since June 2023 in the House Ways and Means Committee. Similarly, HB 189/SB 124, aiming to exempt certain firearms and ammunition from sales tax with additional tax credits for manufacturers, remains stalled in both legislative houses' committees.

Another bill of interest is HB 272, which would allow concealed carry in government buildings. Sponsored by Adam Mathews and Justin Pizzulli, it passed the House but has not progressed past the Senate Judiciary Committee since December 2023.

In contrast, there are bills opposed by those concerned about increased firearm regulations. One such bill is HB 62 by Latyna Humphrey, which proposes rolling back stand-your-ground legislation. It has been inactive in the House Government Oversight Committee since February 2023.

Additionally, HB 170 introduces an extreme risk protection order allowing family members or law enforcement to seek a court order to seize firearms if someone poses a danger. This bill also remains stalled since May 2023.

Efforts like HB 346 aim to ban auto sears while others like SB 164 propose establishing a gun registry despite legal prohibitions on such registries at state and federal levels.

The Buckeye Firearms Association encourages involvement from supporters as these legislative efforts continue.