Senate Passes Johnson Bill to Remove Barriers for Law Abiding Gun Owners

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate today passed Senate Bill 215, sponsored by State Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott), removing barriers for law-abiding gun owners.

Senate Bill 215 will allow law-abiding adults to carry a concealed handgun without obtaining a permit in areas where concealed carry is permitted, providing parity for all legal gun owners. This legislation would make Ohio the 22nd state to allow permitless concealed carry.

"Ohioans are already permitted to open carry firearms, however, once an individual were to put on a sweatshirt or jacket, they would be in violation of the law," said Johnson. "Senate Bill 215 solves this problem and further removes restrictions to Ohio's second amendment rights."

Senate Bill 215 modifies the current requirement for individuals to notify law enforcement during traffic stops that they are armed. Individuals would still need to answer truthfully if asked by law enforcement, and the bill increases the penalty for lying to an officer about being armed from a minor misdemeanor to a second-degree misdemeanor. The bill now heads to the House for consideration.

To learn more about the legislation, click here.