Schaffer, Wiggam Announce 2nd Amendment Emergency Powers Bill

COLUMBUS—State Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) and State Representative Scott Wiggam (R-Wayne County) announced today the introduction of legislation to prevent state and local governments from closing or limiting firearm related activities during a state of emergency. “The last year revealed the startling scope of government power during a declared emergency,” said Schaffer. “It is critical that both local and state authorities understand that this power cannot be used to infringe on people’s constitutional right to protect themselves and their families.” Broken up into two bills, the legislation will prohibit state and local governments from limiting or infringing such firearm related activities during a state of emergency with legal remedies added for individuals who experience an infringement of their Second Amendment rights from these entities. “Our legislation is simple and straightforward,” stated Representative Wiggam. “The bills prevent state or local authorities from restricting legal firearms possession, transportation, carrying, training, concealed handgun license processing, shooting range access and hunting and fishing during a declared emergency.” Both pieces of legislation have earned support from Buckeye Firearms Association (BFA), National Rifle Association (NRA) and National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). “Although Governor DeWine’s COVID related restrictions did not restrict the rights of gun owners, we have seen other states abuse their power, going as far as shutting down firearms commerce, including our neighboring Michigan,” said BFA Executive Director, Dean Rieck. “This past year provided a clear warning to make sure Ohio laws were crystal clear that an emergency cannot be used as an excuse to limit gun rights.”

“In addition to the COVID crisis, our nation experienced a wave of violence that understandably prompted a sharp increase in firearm purchases and demand for training and concealed firearms licenses,” said the NRA-ILA’s John Weber. “During troubling times, people truly need the ability to protect themselves.”

“That is why this legislation protects commerce in firearms, firearms components and ammunition,” explained NSSF’s Chris Lee. “And why this legislation also protects access to ranges where people can practice and receive training to learn to shoot safely. Twenty-four states have already enacted this type of law. Ohioans need the same protection.”

Senator Schaffer, Representative Wiggam, BFA, NRA and NSSF jointly called for quick action in both chambers to see these protections enacted.