The bill that if signed into law would permit Ohioans to carry a concealed weapon without a permit has now passed both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly and goes to Gov. Mike DeWine for his consideration.
“This is a great and historic day for the 2nd Amendment in Ohio,” said Ohio Sen. Niraj Antani (R-Miamisburg).
Under the proposed law, if you are 21 and legally able to carry a gun, you could carry a handgun concealed for any lawful purpose without the need for a license or other paperwork.
“We are reviewing the bill, but I would note Governor DeWine has long supported the Second Amendment rights of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms,” said Dan Tierney, spokesman for the Ohio Governor’s Office.
Ohioans could still apply for a CCW permit, but it would no longer be mandatory.
The legislation, which allows what some call “Constitutional carry,” gained support in both chambers of the General Assembly in the Fall.
“It is I think notable that for the first time in Ohio history this bill, a version of it, has passed both chambers,” Antani said in December.
State Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Cleveland) has been an opponent of the House version of the bill, saying the current requirement for concealed carry are the bare minimum and not overly burdensome, according to a report from the Columbus Dispatch.
“Now you have a scenario where you walk up to a car where a guy doesn’t tell you and this guy shifts in his seat and you see his gun, it makes the dynamics of the traffic stop that much different,” Weinman told the Dispatch.
Buckeye Firearms Association has been in support of “Constitutional carry” legislation.
“We are at a historic moment in Ohio legislative history. This is the closest we’ve ever been to passing a bill to make the licensing process optional for concealed carry of a firearm,” the organization said in a statement.
Buckeye Firearms Association said Ohio would be the 22 state to have some form of permitless carry if DeWine signs the bill.
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