What are the Gun Laws in Ohio 2023?
Ohio has strict gun laws in place to regulate the possession, purchase, and use of firearms. As of 2023, the state’s gun laws are governed by the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and other state and federal regulations. Here is an overview of Ohio’s gun laws:
Contents
**Licensing Requirements**
In Ohio, anyone who wants to purchase, carry, or own a firearm must obtain a permit. There are two types of permits:
- Concealed Carry Handgun (CCH) Permit: This permit allows individuals to carry a concealed handgun. To obtain a CCH permit, individuals must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a resident of Ohio
- Complete a firearms training course approved by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office
- Pass a background check
- Pay the permit fee ($60 for a 5-year permit)
- Class A (Long Gun) License: This permit allows individuals to purchase and possess a long gun (rifles and shotguns). To obtain a Class A license, individuals must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident of Ohio
- Pay the license fee ($10.50 for a 10-year license)
**Firearms Background Checks**
Ohio requires a background check for all firearm purchases, including those conducted through private sales. Federal law also requires a background check for firearms purchases through federally licensed dealers.
**Prohibited Persons**
The following individuals are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm in Ohio:
- Felons: Convicted felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm for 10 years after the completion of their sentence
- Domestic Violence Offenders: Individuals who have been convicted of domestic violence or subject to a domestic violence protective order are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm
- Mental Health Substantiated Individuals: Individuals who have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution or have a diagnosed mental illness that prevents them from handling a firearm safely are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm
- Illegal Aliens: Undocumented immigrants are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm
**Gun-Free Zones**
The following areas are designated as gun-free zones in Ohio:
- School Zones: Public and private schools, school buses, and school-sponsored events are all designated as gun-free zones
- Government Buildings: State and local government buildings, including courthouses, are designated as gun-free zones
- Public Buildings: Public libraries, museums, and other public buildings are designated as gun-free zones
- Airports: Federal and state airports, including terminals and runways, are designated as gun-free zones
**Other Restrictions**
Ohio also has several other gun-related restrictions in place:
- Assault Weapons Ban: Ohio has an assault weapons ban in place, which prohibits the manufacture, sale, or possession of certain semi-automatic rifles
- Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device (LC-AFD) Ban: Ohio has a ban on the manufacture, sale, or possession of LC-AFDs, which are devices that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition
- Background Checks for Private Sales: Ohio requires a background check for all private firearms sales, including those conducted between individuals
- Record-Keeping Requirements: Federal law requires licensed dealers to maintain records of firearms transactions, including the make, model, and serial number of the firearm, as well as the identity of the buyer
Summary of Ohio’s Gun Laws
Here is a summary of Ohio’s gun laws:
Category | Restrictions |
---|---|
Licensing | Concealed carry permit required for adults; Class A license required for long gun purchases |
Background Checks | Required for all firearm purchases |
Prohibited Persons | Felons, domestic violence offenders, mental health substantiated individuals, illegal aliens |
Gun-Free Zones | School zones, government buildings, public buildings, airports |
Other Restrictions | Assault weapons ban, LC-AFD ban, background checks for private sales, record-keeping requirements |
In conclusion, Ohio has a complex set of gun laws in place to regulate the possession, purchase, and use of firearms. While some argue that these laws infringe upon Second Amendment rights, others believe that they are necessary to ensure public safety. Regardless of one’s views on gun control, it is essential to understand Ohio’s gun laws and abide by them to avoid legal consequences.