Buckeye Reporter

The 136th Ohio General Assembly has commenced with the introduction of several gun-related bills in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. These legislative proposals address various aspects of firearm regulation, ranging from background checks to tax exemptions.

In the House, HB 5 is sponsored by Representatives Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Township) and Bernard Willis (R-Springfield). This bill aims to impose stricter measures on repeat felons while restoring rights for nonviolent offenders who have reintegrated into society successfully.

Representatives Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati) and Rachel Baker (D-Cincinnati) have introduced HB 45. This legislation seeks to mandate a minimum waiting period of ten days before a firearms dealer can transfer a firearm after contacting the national instant criminal background check system.

Another proposal, HB 46, sponsored by Thomas and Representative Michele Grim (D-Toledo), would enable family members, household members, and law enforcement officers to seek court orders for seizing firearms from individuals deemed dangerous to themselves or others.

HB 68, introduced by Representatives Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon) and Justin Pizzulli (R-Scioto County), proposes allowing concealed handgun licensees to carry handguns in certain buildings housing courtrooms but not courthouses. It also addresses statutory relief for nonresidents regarding firearms disability due to Ohio convictions or adjudications.

In the Senate, SB 59 is backed by Senators Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) and Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster). The bill proposes sales tax exemptions for certain firearms and ammunition sales while offering refundable tax credits for small arms manufacturing projects.

Senators Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) and Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati) sponsor SB 75. This bill seeks to enhance penalties for failing to report lost or stolen firearms.

Lastly, SB 96, supported by Senators Hearcal Craig (D-Columbus) and Willis Blackshear Jr. (D-Dayton), aims to provide a nonrefundable income tax credit covering expenses related to handgun training as well as firearms storage and locking devices.