Senate Passes Koehler's Keep Them Safe Act

COLUMBUS— The Ohio Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 273, sponsored by State Senator Kyle Koehler (R-Springfield), which enacts the Keep Them Safe Act. The act provides guidelines and civil immunity to Federal Firearm Licensees (FFLs) and law enforcement agencies for the voluntary storage of firearms.
 
“The bill's intent is to help law-abiding gun owners who, for whatever reason, need to put distance between their firearms and themselves or their families,” said Senator Koehler. “Research shows that putting time and distance between a person struggling with thoughts of suicide and their firearms can save lives, and this bill will help incentivize FFLs and law enforcement agencies to offer firearm storage services.”

Senate Bill 273 provides civil immunity to FFLs and law enforcement agencies who accept the storage of firearms and ensures confidentiality for any personal information collected. The storage of firearms is entirely voluntary for the provider and the gun owner.  It does not change or alter any laws regarding firearms in the Ohio Revised Code and is supported by the Buckeye Firearms Association and the National Rifle Association.

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