Eleanor Finch
Ohio's Constitutional Carry law came into effect on June 12, 2022, allowing individuals to carry a concealed firearm without a license. This law eliminates the need for training requirements and makes obtaining a concealed handgun license optional. While this change has been welcomed by gun owners, it has also sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it will hinder law enforcement efforts and endanger the public. However, supporters believe it protects the rights of gun owners and reduces unnecessary confrontations between citizens and officers. Despite the new law, individuals with violent or drug-related convictions on their records may still be prohibited from carrying or owning firearms in Ohio. Additionally, certain areas, such as schools and government buildings, may continue to restrict open carry or concealed carry practices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Status of Ohio's Concealed Carry Constitutional Carry | In June 2022, Ohio became the 23rd state to enact new concealed carry laws allowing individuals to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. |
| Who can carry a concealed handgun? | Any Ohio resident aged 21 or older who is not prohibited from carrying or possessing a handgun. |
| Is a permit required? | No, but a permit can be obtained by completing eight hours of firearms training and meeting other criteria. |
| Is a background check required? | No. |
| Is a firearms registration required? | No. |
| Is training required? | No, but training is recommended to safely navigate state laws and expectations. |
| Disclosure requirements during police interactions | Individuals carrying a concealed weapon are not required to disclose this information to the police unless asked. |
| Carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle | Allowed, but the firearm must be unloaded and stored in a closed case, box, or other sealed package, or locked in the vehicle's trunk or storage compartment. |
| Carrying a concealed weapon while intoxicated | Not allowed. |
| Carrying a concealed weapon in restricted areas | Not allowed in schools, government buildings, and other restricted areas. |
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What You'll Learn
- No permit, background check or registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual
- Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA)
- Limitations on where you can carry a concealed weapon
- No requirement to disclose firearm status to law enforcement unless asked
- The right to carry in a way that reflects local law
No permit, background check or registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual
In June 2022, Ohio became the 23rd US state to enact new laws allowing individuals to carry a concealed handgun without a permit, a policy known as "constitutional carry". This means that there is no longer any requirement for a permit, background check, or registration when buying a handgun from a private individual.
Ohio's constitutional carry law gives any qualifying adult the right to transport and store firearms and ammunition in a private vehicle, with or without a concealed carry permit. This means that individuals can carry a loaded firearm in their vehicle, and they can store it anywhere in the vehicle, making it more accessible in an emergency. The new law also applies to non-residents, who can carry a handgun in Ohio without a license.
While the new law removes the requirement for a permit or background check when buying a handgun from a private individual, there are still some restrictions on who can legally possess a firearm in Ohio. For example, individuals with violent or drug-related convictions on their record may be prohibited from owning a firearm. There are also places where carrying a concealed weapon is prohibited, including government buildings, schools, and other restricted areas.
It is important to note that while the new law removes some restrictions on gun ownership and carrying, it does not eliminate all gun laws in Ohio. For example, individuals are still required to truthfully disclose to law enforcement officers whether they are carrying a concealed weapon if asked directly. Additionally, while a permit is no longer required to carry a concealed weapon, individuals can still choose to obtain a permit if they wish, which may be useful if they are travelling to other states.
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Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA)
The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) was enacted in 2004 and amended in 2010, 2013, and 2014. It allows qualified active, retired, or separated law enforcement officers to carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the U.S. or U.S. territories, regardless of state or local laws. The definition of a "qualified law enforcement officer" includes employees of a governmental agency who are authorized to carry a firearm, have statutory powers of arrest, and meet the standards for regular qualification in firearms use set by their agency.
LEOSA also defines a "qualified retired law enforcement officer" as someone who has served as a law enforcement officer for a total of 10 or more years or who separated from service due to a service-connected disability. To qualify, retired officers must also meet the standards for qualification in firearms training during the most recent 12-month period and not be found unqualified by a medical professional for reasons relating to mental health.
LEOSA has been a source of excitement and frustration, with some law enforcement officers and associations suing states like New Jersey for not honoring their carry rights under the Act. There are also areas that are off-limits to LEOSA, and officers must understand these restrictions to avoid unknowingly violating the law.
To obtain a LEOSA photographic identification card, applicants must submit a recent passport-style photo with a white or cream background. This photo must be clear, focused, and without glare, and selfies or photos in official uniforms are not accepted. CBP officers can submit their applications to the Office of Professional Responsibility, Security Management Division within 90 calendar days of their anticipated retirement or separation date.
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Limitations on where you can carry a concealed weapon
As of June 12, 2022, Ohioans aged 21 or older who are not prohibited from carrying or possessing a handgun are no longer required to obtain a license to carry a concealed handgun. This means that Ohio residents can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, which is commonly referred to as "constitutional carry".
However, it is important to note that constitutional carry laws do not allow Ohio residents to carry a concealed weapon or firearm everywhere they go. There are laws in place that limit the areas in which a person can carry a concealed weapon.
For example, individuals are not allowed to carry a concealed handgun in school safety zones, including schools, school buildings, school premises, school activities, and school buses. An exception to this rule is that individuals with a CHL (Concealed Handgun License) may have a concealed handgun in a school safety zone if they leave the gun in their motor vehicle and the firearm does not leave the car. Additionally, if the individual leaves the vehicle, they must lock it. It is important to note that permitless carriers cannot carry a firearm into a school safety zone, and doing so is a felony under state and federal law.
Another limitation on where you can carry a concealed weapon in Ohio is that you cannot transport a loaded concealed handgun in a vehicle if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Furthermore, if you are stopped by a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop, you are no longer required to inform the officer that you have a weapon. However, if the officer asks if you are carrying a weapon, you must answer truthfully. Violations of this law are considered first-degree misdemeanors.
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No requirement to disclose firearm status to law enforcement unless asked
In June 2022, Ohio became the 23rd US state to enact new laws around carrying concealed handguns, commonly referred to as "constitutional carry". This means that individuals in Ohio can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, as long as they are eligible and meet the requirements to carry a concealed weapon.
While Ohio's "constitutional carry" laws eliminate restrictions on open carry or concealed carry practices, there are still places where carrying a concealed weapon is prohibited. These include government buildings (including police stations, jails, and courtrooms), school safety zones (unless otherwise specifically authorized), and airports and airplanes. In addition, certain areas may prohibit open carry or concealed carry practices and post signs to that effect.
Ohio's new "constitutional carry" laws also impact the transportation and storage of firearms and ammunition in private vehicles. All qualified adults now have the same rights as those with concealed carry licenses to transport and store firearms and ammunition in their private vehicles. However, public employers can still enforce policies prohibiting employees from carrying handguns or firearms in government-owned vehicles.
While individuals carrying a concealed weapon in Ohio are no longer required to inform law enforcement officers of their status, they must disclose their status if an officer specifically asks about firearms. This change in the law has been controversial, with critics arguing that it will hinder law enforcement's ability to do their job and keep the public safe. However, supporters contend that it will protect the rights of gun owners and reduce unnecessary confrontations between officers and citizens.
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The right to carry in a way that reflects local law
Ohio's "Constitutional Carry" law, which came into effect on June 12, 2022, allows individuals to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. This law prioritises the constitutional right to bear arms, removing most restrictions on open carry or concealed carry practices.
However, it is important to exercise this right to carry in a way that reflects local law. While Ohio has relaxed its concealed carry laws, there are still places where carrying a concealed weapon is prohibited. These include government buildings, such as police stations, courthouses, and schools, as well as school safety zones and school buses. Additionally, if you are stopped by law enforcement, you must disclose that you are carrying a concealed weapon if the officer directly asks. Failure to do so can result in penalties.
It is also important to note that, while a permit is no longer required, obtaining one can still be beneficial. The training provided can help individuals safely navigate state laws and expectations concerning firearms carry. Moreover, when travelling to other states, a permit may be required, depending on the laws of the state in question. Therefore, it is advisable to check the laws of the state before travelling with firearms.
In conclusion, while Ohio's "Constitutional Carry" law has removed many restrictions on the right to bear arms, it is crucial to remain informed about the specific laws and restrictions that are still in place. Individuals must ensure that they are exercising their right to carry in a way that reflects local law to avoid facing criminal charges or penalties.
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Frequently asked questions
As of June 2022, Ohio adopted a "constitutional carry" law, allowing any qualifying adult over 21 without legal firearms prohibitions to conceal a handgun without needing permits, training, or background checks.
While there are no official permitting requirements, you must meet certain criteria, including not having any violent misdemeanor offenses within the previous three years, not being charged with negligent assault with a deadly weapon, and not having any drug-related offenses.
You cannot carry a concealed weapon into certain places, such as schools, government buildings, police stations, and courthouses. Additionally, you cannot carry a concealed weapon if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and you must disclose that you are carrying a weapon if asked by a law enforcement officer.
