Ohio: NRA-Backed Bills Up in Committee This Week

Please contact members of the Senate Civil Justice Committee today and urge them to support SB 180 & SB 199!

The Ohio Senate Civil Justice Committee will have a hearing Wednesday, October 7, at 2:30 p.m. in the Finance Hearing Room to discuss two pro-gun bills.

Senate Bill 180, sponsored by Senator Joe Uecker (R-14), would allow an employee to store a firearm in their locked vehicle without fear of employer retribution.  Throughout the country, many employers have adopted "No Firearms" policies that extend beyond the physical workplace to include employee parking lots – areas often accessible to the general public and not secure.  In order to comply with these policies, many employees must choose between protecting themselves during their commutes and being subject to termination by their employer.

The fundamental right to self-defense should not stop simply because you park your car in a publicly accessible parking lot owned by your employer.  When companies invite employees to park on their property, they should not be allowed to dictate employees' constitutional rights inside one's own vehicle. 

Senate Bill 199, also sponsored by Senator Uecker (R-14) and Senator Randy Gardner (R-2), would allow an active duty member of the military to carry a concealed firearm without obtaining a concealed carry license if the active duty member is carrying a valid military identification and a certificate indicating a small arms qualification.

We strongly urge you to attend this hearing and voice your support for these two bills.  If you cannot attend the hearing, please contact members of the Civil Justice Committee and ask for their support. 

If your company has such a misguided policy that impedes your inherent right to self-defense, please contact NRA-ILA's State and Local Division at state&[email protected] and share this information.