Buckeye Reporter

A bill introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives seeks to allow certain state officials, judges, and magistrates to carry concealed handguns within government facilities. House Bill 460, brought forward on September 17 by Representatives Thad Claggett (R-Newark) and Bernard Willis (R-Springfield), would grant this ability to members of the Ohio General Assembly, statewide elected officials, judges, and magistrates. The general public would not be included under this legislation.

Judges in Ohio already have authority over security measures within their courtrooms and courthouses. According to a policy statement from the Ohio Judicial Conference issued in 2017 and reaffirmed in 2024: "A judge must maintain decisional independence and be able, without concern for personal safety or the safety of others in the courthouse, to make the decisions he or she is constitutionally required to make," the statement reads. "The judiciary, therefore, has complete authority over the courtroom and courthouse, and as such, the authority to establish all security measures, including who is armed and who is not armed within the courtroom and courthouse."

Another proposal related to concealed carry remains under consideration in committee. House Bill 68 would permit members of the public with concealed carry licenses to bring firearms into government buildings containing courtrooms when court is not in session if approved by local authorities. This bill was sponsored by Representatives Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon) and Justin Pizzulli (R-Scioto County). Rob Sexton, legislative affairs director for Buckeye Firearms Association (BFA), testified in support of HB 68 during a committee hearing on May 20.

Dean Rieck, executive director of BFA, commented that while he prefers all lawful gun owners be allowed to carry in government buildings—including those with courtrooms when court is not in session—he considers HB 460 deserving of support.

Several other bills relating to firearms have been introduced this session. Among them:

- HB 5 aims to restore rights for non-violent offenders while increasing penalties for repeat felons. It passed the House and has received six hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

- HB 108 proposes establishing a pretrial procedure for those asserting self-defense or defense of property.

- HB 120 seeks an exemption from sales tax for firearm safety devices.

- HB 235 proposes a nonrefundable income tax credit covering handgun training and storage costs.

- HB 330 suggests creating a four-month annual sales tax holiday for firearm safety devices.

- HB 331 attempts to remove suppressors from dangerous ordnance classification but is stalled due to changes at the federal level.

- HB 382 introduces protections regarding Second Amendment rights.

- SB 59 would exempt certain firearms and ammunition from sales tax while offering credits for manufacturing projects.

- SB 96 offers an income tax credit similar to HB 235’s provisions but through Senate legislation.

- SB 214 mirrors efforts regarding suppressors but faces similar obstacles as HB 331.

Rob Sexton has testified on behalf of BFA on several bills during recent committee hearings.

For further details on Buckeye Firearms Association's positions regarding these bills or others they oppose or support, information can be found at their Legislation page.

"A judge must maintain decisional independence and be able, without concern for personal safety or the safety of others in the courthouse, to make the decisions he or she is constitutionally required to make," according to an Ohio Judicial Conference policy statement reaffirmed in 2024. "The judiciary, therefore, has complete authority over the courtroom and courthouse, and as such, the authority to establish all security measures, including who is armed and who is not armed within the courtroom and courthouse."

Dean Rieck said he would prefer that all lawful gun owners be permitted to carry in government buildings—including those with courtrooms when court is not in session—but said HB 460 is still worthy of support.

Rob Sexton testified in support of both HB 68 during its second hearing on May 20 as well as several other bills throughout recent committee sessions.