Buckeye Reporter

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has issued an opinion stating that county agricultural societies in Ohio do not have the authority to prohibit firearms at county fairs in outdoor areas. The opinion, dated July 28, was requested by Champaign County prosecuting attorney Kevin Talebi, who sought clarification on whether the Champaign County Agricultural Society is considered a political subdivision under Ohio's preemption law on firearms (ORC 9.68).

Yost concluded that county agricultural societies are indeed political subdivisions and therefore subject to state law, which prevents them from restricting open or concealed carry of firearms outdoors at fairgrounds. However, restrictions may still apply inside buildings on fairgrounds.

"For the reasons that follow, I find that a county agricultural society organized under R.C. Chapter 1711 is a political subdivision for purposes of R.C. 9.68," Yost wrote in his official opinion.

Yost explained that these societies are controlled by elected board members and manage their own land and facilities. They also contract with local law enforcement for security during events like the Champaign County Fair.

He noted that the state law serves two main purposes: affirming individuals' right to keep and bear arms and ensuring uniformity in gun laws across Ohio.

Yost referenced previous court decisions supporting his conclusion. In Griffith v. Portage Cty. Agricultural Soc., the 11th District Court of Appeals recognized an agricultural society as a political subdivision for public contract bidding purposes. The Ohio Supreme Court made a similar determination regarding tort liability in Greene Cty. Agricultural Soc. v. Liming.

Dean Rieck, executive director of Buckeye Firearms Association, said he welcomed but was not surprised by Yost's opinion.

"Every summer, people contact us asking about whether they can carry at county fairs," Rieck said. "It's been a confusing and contentious issue.

"So a couple years ago, we took the issue to the attorney general and even spoke to fair groups about regulations and respecting Ohio's gun laws. We're glad to see some clarity on this."

Rieck also mentioned that last year Buckeye Firearms Association worked with Yost's office to clarify law-enforcement officers' rights to carry concealed weapons at public venues such as restaurants, hotels, sports venues, and amusement parks.