Ohio: Pro-Gun Reform Legislation Passes Both Chambers, Sent to Governor for his Signature

Today, the Ohio Senate approved House Bill 495 by a 26-7 vote and the Ohio House concurred with this measure by a 66-23 vote.  HB 495 will now be sent to Governor John Kasich (R) for his expected signature.  If enacted, this NRA-priority legislation would make many necessary improvements to Ohio’s concealed carry laws.

HB 495 was amended in the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday, to include further clarifications regarding the transportation of loaded magazines and firearms, and to permit lawfully owned firearms to be stored in vehicles in some government-owned parking lots.

However, HB 495 required some last minute changes to guarantee passage in the Ohio Senate.  Therefore, in order to ensure its passage in this legislative session, the sections regarding expanding concealed carry reciprocity were amended out of the bill with a commitment to address it early next session.

The amended version of HB 495 would make the following changes:

• Eliminate the renewed competency certification requirement for concealed carry license renewals.  Currently, after the first renewal of your concealed handgun license, you must submit proof of renewed competency to show that you are range competent for all subsequent renewals.  HB 495 would make it so that you can simply show your existing or expiring license or your original competency certificate as proof that you have had the necessary training for all renewals.
• Change the definition of a loaded firearm in a vehicle.  Currently, a firearm is considered loaded if a loaded magazine is present in the vehicle, even if the magazine is not inserted into the firearm.  HB 495 would change this definition so that the magazine must be inserted into the firearm before it is considered loaded.
• Define “Concealed Handgun License” in one section of the Ohio Revised Code and clarify that this definition applies to all references of a concealed handgun license throughout the state code.  HB 495 would simplify state law and make it easier to read, understand, comply with and enforce.

Thank you to all NRA members who answered the call and contacted their state legislators regarding this important pro-gun reform bill.

Please contact Governor Kasich and urge him to sign House Bill 495 into law.  Contact information can be found here.