Buckeye Reporter

On June 4, 2025, the Buckeye Firearms Association (BFA) presented testimony to the Ohio House Judiciary Committee in favor of House Bill 108. This proposed legislation aims to establish a pretrial procedure for individuals claiming self-defense, defense of another, or defense of property.

The bill is sponsored by Representative Josh Williams from Sylvania Township. It seeks to prevent victims who have defended themselves from facing additional victimization through legal proceedings when their actions were lawful.

During its second hearing, Rob Sexton, BFA's Legislative Affairs Director, testified before the committee. He stated: "Mr. Chairman, members of the House Judiciary Committee, I am Rob Sexton, Legislative Affairs Director for Buckeye Firearms Association. BFA is Ohio’s premier defender of the Second Amendment, protecting the rights of more than 4 million gun owners statewide. I am here to testify in favor of House Bill 108."

Sexton highlighted existing Ohio laws that support self-defense rights but pointed out issues where crime victims are compelled to defend their actions in court at great personal expense. He noted: "When it comes to establishing self-defense, current Ohio law is a catch-22."

House Bill 108 proposes a pretrial option allowing defendants to assert self-defense before a judge. If they can demonstrate that a preponderance of evidence supports their claim, it would create a rebuttable presumption of self-defense during trial.

"The prosecution must then prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused did not act in self-defense," Sexton explained. The bill aims to prevent automatic charges against individuals involved in shootings when evidence supports self-defense claims.

Sexton emphasized: "The elements in House Bill 108 are every bit as essential to our right of self-defense as are our rights to carry a firearm, our right to stand our ground, or our right to defend our castle." The BFA urged the committee to recommend the bill for consideration by the full House.

He concluded his testimony with an invitation for questions and expressed gratitude for the committee's time.