Isabella Carter
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill that allows Ohioans to carry a concealed gun without first having to obtain a permit or take a training course. The bill, known as Senate Bill 215 or SB215, removes the requirement for individuals to proactively inform law enforcement officers about concealed firearms during traffic stops. This decision has been praised by Second Amendment supporters and the National Rifle Association (NRA), but it has also faced opposition from law enforcement groups and gun control advocates who argue that it will make communities less safe. DeWine's decision to sign the bill has been criticized as prioritizing politics over the safety of Ohioans, especially in light of recent shootings in the state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the bill | Senate Bill 215 (SB215) |
| Signed by | Ohio Governor Mike DeWine |
| Date signed | March 15, 2022 |
| Effective date | 90 days after signing |
| Key provisions | Carrying a concealed firearm without a permit or training |
| No requirement to proactively inform law enforcement about concealed firearms during traffic stops | |
| Removes penalties for failing to inform law enforcement about concealed firearms | |
| Allows anyone 21 or older to carry a concealed firearm unless prohibited by state or federal law | |
| Eliminates the requirement for eight hours of training and a background check | |
| Second Amendment rights protected | |
| Support | Buckeye Firearms Association, National Rifle Association, Second Amendment supporters |
| Opposition | Police organizations, Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey, Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio, Ohio Mayors Alliance, Nan Whaley |
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What You'll Learn
Mike DeWine signs the bill into law
On March 14, 2022, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill that would allow Ohioans to carry a concealed gun without first having to obtain a permit or take a training course. DeWine's decision to sign the bill made Ohio the 23rd constitutional carry state in the US. The bill, known as Senate Bill 215 or SB215, took effect 90 days after being signed into law.
SB215 permits individuals with gun licenses to not proactively inform law enforcement officers at traffic stops that they are carrying a concealed weapon. Previously, drivers in Ohio faced a first-degree misdemeanor, suspension of their concealed-handgun license, and a fine of $1,000 if they failed to inform law enforcement officers about carrying a concealed gun. The new law also eliminates the requirement for motorists to inform law enforcement about concealed handguns in their vehicles during traffic stops, although drivers must still truthfully answer if asked by an officer.
The signing of the bill was praised by Second Amendment supporters and gun rights groups such as the Buckeye Firearms Association and the National Rifle Association (NRA). DeWine had made a campaign promise to the Buckeye Firearms Association and Ohio's 4 million gun owners that he would sign a Constitutional Carry bill if it came across his desk. However, the bill was opposed by law enforcement groups, police organizations, and gun control advocates who argued that it would make communities less safe and increase gun violence.
DeWine defended his decision, citing other states with similar laws and emphasizing the right to bear arms guaranteed by the US and Ohio constitutions. He also stated that the final decision on the bill came down to him as the governor. The timing of the bill's signing was noted, as it occurred just days after a series of shootings in Columbus and during an election year, with DeWine facing reelection and primary challengers who support relaxing gun regulations.
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Ohio becomes the 23rd constitutional carry state
On March 14, 2022, Ohio became the 23rd US state to allow constitutional carry, also known as permitless carry. Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 215 into law, which allows people to carry a concealed firearm without a permit or training. The bill also removes the requirement for motorists to proactively inform law enforcement about concealed handguns during traffic stops.
The law, which took effect 90 days after signing, enables anyone 21 or older to carry a concealed firearm unless prohibited by state or federal law. Previously, Ohio required conceal-carry applicants to undergo eight hours of training, pass a background check, and apply through their local sheriff.
Supporters of the bill, including the Buckeye Firearms Association, celebrated the move as a victory for gun rights. Governor DeWine had made a campaign promise to sign a Constitutional Carry bill if it came across his desk. However, the decision was met with opposition from police organizations and gun control advocates who argue that reduced training and permit requirements will make communities less safe.
The enactment of constitutional carry in Ohio is part of a broader trend in the US, with Georgia and Nebraska also expected to pass similar legislation soon. The move represents a significant win for the gun rights movement and a setback for those advocating for stricter gun control measures.
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The bill removes the need for a permit or training
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently signed a bill into law that allows people to carry concealed firearms without a permit or training. Senate Bill 215 (SB215) allows anyone 21 or older to carry a concealed firearm unless prohibited by state or federal law. This makes Ohio the 23rd state to allow public concealed carry without a license.
Proponents of the bill argue that it upholds the right to bear arms guaranteed by the US and Ohio constitutions, which do not mention training requirements. Governor DeWine, who is up for reelection, had promised to sign such a bill if it came to his desk. This is the second law he has signed in the past two years that has been praised by 2nd Amendment supporters.
Opponents of the bill, including police organizations, argue that it will make Ohio more dangerous for residents and law enforcement. They contend that less training will lead to more gun violence and that regulations such as training and permits are common sense. They also point out that most people would feel safer with a trained, licensed gun owner than an untrained one.
In addition to removing permit and training requirements, SB215 also eliminates the requirement for motorists to proactively inform law enforcement about concealed handguns in their vehicles during traffic stops. However, drivers must still truthfully answer if asked by an officer. Previously, failing to disclose this information was a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, and suspension of the concealed-handgun license.
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The bill removes the need to inform law enforcement about concealed firearms
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed a bill that removes the need to inform law enforcement about concealed firearms. The bill, known as Senate Bill 215 or the "Constitutional Carry" bill, allows individuals to carry a concealed firearm without a permit or training. This means that residents of Ohio no longer have to proactively disclose the presence of a firearm during traffic stops, unless explicitly asked by a law enforcement officer.
The bill has been praised by gun rights activists and organizations such as the Buckeye Firearms Association and the National Rifle Association. They argue that it gives individuals more control and aligns with the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms. Additionally, supporters note that the bill removes the penalty for failing to disclose a concealed weapon, which was previously a first-degree misdemeanor and could result in jail time, fines, and suspension of the concealed-handgun license.
However, the bill has also faced opposition from law enforcement groups and concerned citizens. Some argue that removing the requirement to disclose concealed firearms could create tense and dangerous situations for both residents and law enforcement officers. They worry that reducing the requirement to notify could lead to an erosion of trust in law enforcement and potentially escalate encounters. Additionally, opponents highlight the importance of training and permits in ensuring the safe handling of firearms.
Despite the concerns, Governor DeWine defended his decision by citing other states with similar laws and fulfilling a campaign promise to support gun rights. With the passage of this bill, Ohio becomes the 23rd state to allow public conceal-carry without a license.
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The bill is opposed by police and law enforcement groups
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently signed a bill into law that allows people to carry concealed firearms without training or permits. The bill, known as Senate Bill 215, takes effect 90 days after signing and applies to anyone 21 or older unless state or federal law prohibits them from possessing a gun.
The bill has faced opposition from police and law enforcement groups, who argue that it will make communities less safe. They contend that the lack of training and permit requirements will increase the likelihood of gun-related incidents and make it more challenging for officers to distinguish between law-abiding citizens and those with malicious intentions. This concern was articulated by Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia, who stated, "Adding a gun to the equation and making the officers figure out good individual law-abiding [citizens] with a gun or non-law-abiding with a gun makes our jobs, the jobs of our men and women more dangerous."
Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey and the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio have also voiced their opposition to the bill. They join a broader chorus of law enforcement professionals who rarely speak with one voice but have shown a united front against permitless carry. This includes labor leaders and department chiefs, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.
The bill's opponents argue that requirements like training and permits are a matter of common sense rather than draconian restrictions. They emphasize that most people would likely feel safer in the presence of a trained, licensed gun owner compared to an untrained individual. Additionally, they refute the notion that opposing these regulations equates to attempting to take away firearms. Instead, they advocate for sensible gun control and regulation measures that respect the Second Amendment while prioritizing public safety.
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Frequently asked questions
The 'Constitutional Carry' law, also known as Senate Bill 215, is a law that allows people to carry a concealed firearm without a permit or training.
Yes, Governor Mike DeWine passed the 'Constitutional Carry' law.
The 'Constitutional Carry' law has been criticised for removing the requirement for training and a permit to carry a concealed firearm, which opponents argue will make Ohio more dangerous for residents and law enforcement.
Supporters of the 'Constitutional Carry' law argue that it allows residents to exercise their Second Amendment right to carry guns without having to deal with government red tape and delays.
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