Ohio's Constitutional Carry Bill: What's Happening?

what is happening with ohio

Ohio's new Constitutional Carry law, effective as of June 13, 2022, permits qualifying adults to carry, possess, or conceal a handgun without obtaining a concealed carry license. This means that gun owners are no longer required by law to obtain a concealed handgun license (CHL) to have a handgun in their vehicle or on their person. However, Ohio law still requires gun owners to be a minimum of 21 years of age to legally possess a firearm. This new law will significantly impact the number of gun charges filed across the state and has raised questions about how it will impact the rights of responsible gun owners.

Characteristics Values
Name of the Bill Senate Bill 215
Date of Implementation June 13, 2022
What it Means It is now legal for a "qualifying adult" to carry, possess or conceal a handgun without a concealed carry license in Ohio
Who is a "qualifying adult" A person who is 21 years or older and not legally prohibited from possessing or receiving a firearm under federal or state law
Concealing a Firearm During an Official Stop Not required to disclose unless asked by an officer
Concealed Carry Permit Not required to obtain one but still available
Gun Charges Violating concealed carry laws can result in criminal charges, fines, and jail time

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Ohio's constitutional carry law, Senate Bill 215, went into effect on June 13, 2022

Ohio's Senate Bill 215, also known as the "Constitutional Carry" law, came into effect on June 13, 2022. This law significantly altered the state's concealed carry regulations, making it a "permitless carry" or "constitutional carry" state.

Under the new law, qualifying adults in Ohio are no longer required to obtain a concealed handgun license (CHL) to carry, possess, or conceal a handgun. Instead, they have the same rights and responsibilities as individuals with a CHL, including the right to transport and store firearms and ammunition in their private vehicles. The law defines a "qualifying adult" as an individual who is 21 years or older and not legally prohibited from possessing or receiving a firearm under federal or state law, as well as meeting other criteria outlined in the legislation.

It is important to note that while the Constitutional Carry law removes the requirement for a license, it does not change the minimum age requirement to legally possess a firearm in Ohio, which remains at 21 years of age. Additionally, permitless carriers are still subject to certain restrictions, such as not being allowed to carry a handgun within a vehicle when entering a school safety zone.

The new law also impacts interactions with law enforcement. While individuals are not legally obligated to disclose that they are carrying a handgun when stopped by police, they must answer truthfully if asked by an officer. Failure to do so is considered a violation of the law and can result in fines or jail time.

The Constitutional Carry law has sparked discussions about its potential impact on gun charges and public employer policies. It is recommended that individuals understand the laws of the state they are travelling to before exercising their right to carry, as violating concealed carry laws can result in criminal charges and significant consequences.

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Qualifying adults can now carry a concealed handgun without a license

Ohio's new "Constitutional Carry" law, or Senate Bill 215, has been in effect since June 13, 2022. This law makes it legal for qualifying adults to carry a concealed handgun without a license in the state of Ohio.

Previously, Ohio residents were required to obtain a concealed handgun license (CHL) to carry a concealed handgun. However, with the new law in place, qualifying adults are no longer required to obtain a CHL and can legally carry, possess, or conceal a handgun.

So, who is considered a "qualifying adult" under this new law? A qualifying adult is an individual who is 21 years or older and not legally prohibited from possessing or receiving a firearm under federal or state law. They must also satisfy other criteria listed in the relevant sections of the Ohio Revised Code. It is important to note that Ohio law still requires gun owners to be a minimum of 21 years of age to legally possess a firearm.

The new law has significant implications for both individuals and public employers. For individuals, it means they have the same rights and responsibilities as those with a concealed carry license. They can carry a concealed handgun in their vehicle or on their person without a license. However, it is important to note that they are still subject to state and federal laws regarding handgun possession. For example, permitless carriers are not allowed to carry a handgun within their vehicle when entering a school safety zone.

Public employers will also be impacted by this new law. They will no longer be able to enforce rules prohibiting employees without concealed handgun licenses from transporting or storing firearms or ammunition in their private motor vehicles. As a result, public employers should review and revise their policies to ensure they remain compliant with the change in the law.

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Gun owners are not required to disclose a handgun when stopped by police but must answer truthfully if asked

Ohio's new "Constitutional Carry" law, or Senate Bill 215, has made significant changes to the state's concealed carry laws. The law, which went into effect on June 13, 2022, allows "qualifying adults" to legally carry, possess, or conceal a handgun without obtaining a concealed carry license or undergoing a background check and firearm training.

Under the new law, gun owners are not required to disclose that they are carrying a handgun when stopped by the police. However, if a police officer directly asks if they are carrying a weapon, they are legally obligated to answer truthfully. Failing to disclose that you are carrying a weapon after being asked is a violation of the law and can result in charges as a first-degree misdemeanor. This could lead to fines of up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in county jail if convicted.

It is important to note that the new law does not change the minimum age requirement to possess a firearm in Ohio, which remains at 21 years of age. Additionally, permitless carriers are still subject to federal laws and state laws regarding gun-free zones, such as schools.

While the Constitutional Carry law grants more flexibility to gun owners in Ohio, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed about the specific laws and regulations in their state. Understanding and complying with the permitless carry laws are essential for responsible gun ownership and ensuring public safety.

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Ohio's new law will impact the number of gun charges filed across the state

Ohio's new "Constitutional Carry" law, which went into effect on June 13, 2022, will significantly impact the number of gun charges filed across the state. The law, also known as Senate Bill 215, makes several changes to the state's concealed carry laws, allowing "qualifying adults" to legally carry, possess, or conceal a handgun without obtaining a concealed carry license or undergoing a background check and firearm training.

Under the new law, a "qualifying adult" is defined as an individual who is 21 years or older and not legally prohibited from possessing or receiving a firearm under federal or state law. This means that gun owners in Ohio are no longer required by law to obtain a concealed handgun license (CHL) to have a handgun in their vehicle or on their person. However, it is important to note that Ohio law still requires gun owners to be a minimum of 21 years of age to legally possess a firearm.

The implications of this new law are significant. Firstly, it grants all lawful firearm carriers, including those with the now-optional CHL, the right to not disclose that they are carrying a concealed weapon unless explicitly asked by a law enforcement officer. This means that if a police officer asks if an individual is carrying a weapon, they are legally required to answer truthfully. Failure to do so could result in charges and fines of up to $1,000. Secondly, the law applies to public employers, who can no longer enforce rules prohibiting employees without concealed handgun licenses from transporting or storing firearms or ammunition in their private motor vehicles.

The impact of Ohio's new "Constitutional Carry" law will likely be felt across the state, with a potential decrease in gun charges filed. However, it is important to remember that violating concealed carry laws can still result in criminal charges, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, with corresponding jail time and fines. As such, gun owners in Ohio must stay informed about the laws in their state and any other state they may travel to while carrying a firearm to avoid facing legal consequences.

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Gun owners must be at least 21 years old to legally possess a firearm in Ohio

As of June 13, 2022, Ohio is officially a "permitless carry" or "constitutional carry" state, meaning gun owners no longer need a concealed handgun license (CHL) to carry a handgun on their person or in their vehicle. However, gun owners must be at least 21 years old to legally possess a firearm in Ohio.

Ohio law prohibits the purchase of a firearm by anyone under 18, and the purchase of a handgun by anyone under 21. While there are restrictions against purchasing a long gun under the age of 18 and a handgun under the age of 21, there are no restrictions against possessing these firearms under those ages. Ohio law is silent on the purchase of ammunition, components, and accessories, as well as 80% receivers and other firearm parts, and manufacturing one's own firearm.

Ohio is a traditional open-carry state, meaning that openly carrying a firearm is legal with or without a license, as long as the individual is eligible to possess the firearm. This includes openly carrying a loaded handgun in a vehicle without a permit, as long as the individual is eligible for a concealed handgun license. However, it is illegal to possess a firearm in a vehicle or on one's person while under the influence of alcohol.

While permitless carriers are not required to disclose that they are carrying a handgun, they must answer truthfully if asked by a police officer. Failing to do so is a violation of the law and can result in fines of up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in county jail. Additionally, permitless carriers are not allowed to carry a handgun within their vehicle when entering a school safety zone but are otherwise subject to the same state and federal laws as CHL holders.

Frequently asked questions

Ohio's Constitutional Carry Bill, also known as Senate Bill 215, is a new law that allows "qualifying adults" to carry, possess or conceal a handgun without a concealed carry license.

A "qualifying adult" is a person who is 21 years or older and is not legally prohibited from possessing or receiving a firearm under federal or state law.

The law went into effect on June 13, 2022.

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