Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill on Monday that permits residents to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Senate Bill 215 permits individuals aged 21 or above to carry a concealed gun unless the state or federal law prohibits them from doing so.
As per National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action, DeWine’s decision makes Ohio the 23rd constitutional carry state.
As per the NRA lobbying arm, NRA expresses its gratitude to Governor DeWine for signing this important bill protecting the Second Amendment in Ohio for the benefit of law-abiding individuals.
The Ohio bill SB215 also eliminates penalties for motorists who fail to inform law enforcement about carrying concealed firearms in their vehicles during traffic stops. According to cleveland.com, drivers would still have to inform if they have a gun with them when an officer asks.
Ohio news reports that previously, drivers had to face a first-degree misdemeanor, suspension of their concealed-handgun license, and also a fine of $1,000 if they failed to inform the law enforcement officers about carrying a concealed gun.
Opponents of Senate Bill 215 claim that this step will increase the vulnerability of Ohioans and law enforcement officials to gun violence. The Ohio bill was opposed by the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police. It was also opposed by Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey, along with the Ohio Mayors Alliance.
As per the Second Amendment, law-abiding citizens have the right to carry concealed guns unless there is a compelling reason to prevent them from doing so, supporters argue. They also claimed that the ruling allows residents to exercise their right to carry guns without having to deal with government red tape and delays.
As per Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters, DeWine signing SB215 into law is a sign of DeWine caving to extremists in the legislature and special interests. Walters also said that this move would make all Ohioans less safe.
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