Buckeye Reporter

Legislation backed by the Buckeye Firearms Association has successfully passed both chambers of the Ohio legislature and is now awaiting the governor's approval. Senate Bill 32, introduced by Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster), seeks to grant civil immunity to individuals acting in self-defense while protecting members or guests of a nonprofit organization under specified conditions.

The bill outlines that immunities currently applicable to nonprofit corporations will also extend to for-profit corporations that lease property to nonprofits or allow their property to be used by them. This includes cases involving injury, death, or loss allegedly related to a concealed handgun licensee bringing a firearm onto the premises or event of the nonprofit, as well as decisions regarding whether such actions are permitted.

Additionally, Senate Bill 32 generally provides civil immunity for injuries caused by an individual acting in self-defense during an offense of violence aimed at safeguarding members or guests of a nonprofit. It presumes liability on anyone entering a nonprofit’s premises with intent to commit violence if they suffer harm from an act of self-defense against them.

In related legislative activity, the Ohio Senate recently advanced amended Senate Bill 58 to Governor Mike DeWine. This legislation aims to prohibit mandatory firearm liability insurance and fees associated with firearm possession. Senate Bill 148, integrated into SB 58, seeks to prevent financial institutions from tracking firearms purchases and prohibits government entities from maintaining firearms registries.

Both SB 58 and SB 148 are sponsored by Senators Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) and Theresa Gavarone (R-Huron). These bills oppose recent gun control measures perceived as making gun ownership more burdensome for law-abiding citizens rather than addressing criminal misuse.

The Buckeye Firearms Association has consistently supported these legislative efforts throughout the session. The association expressed gratitude towards the House and Senate for passing these bills and urged Governor DeWine for prompt enactment into law. They advocate stopping punitive measures against lawful gun owners due to criminal activities.