Ohio: Bill Eliminating “Duty to Inform” Introduced in the General Assembly

Representative Scott Wiggam (R-1) recently introduced legislation which would eliminate the “duty to inform” provision of the law that requires a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) holder in lawful possession of a firearm during the course of a traffic stop, or other law enforcement purpose, to inform the law enforcement officer that they are carrying or in possession of a firearm. 

Under current law, when a CHL holder is stopped by a law enforcement officer they must immediately inform the officer that they have a CHL and a firearm in the vehicle.  Failure to do so could result in a misdemeanor and the CHL being suspended.

House Bill 142 would eliminate this requirement and acknowledge a simple human behavior; individuals, when pulled over, are not thinking about the “duty to inform” requirement.  Most are contemplating what particular driving action may have resulted in their detainment, whether it be for speeding or another type of moving violation.  To add another element into the “traffic stop” process for the driver is confusing at best and may result in criminal penalties and additional fines.

Stay tuned to www.nraila.org and your email inbox for further updates on this bill.