The NRA's Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) applauds Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine for signing Senate Bill 215, NRA-backed legislation that allows law-abiding gun owners to carry a firearm without a permit from the state.
“Any right requiring a fee or government permission slip isn't much of a right at all. That’s why the NRA worked tirelessly with state leaders and legislators to pass this landmark legislation in Ohio,” said Jason Ouimet, NRA-ILA executive director. “The NRA commends Gov. DeWine for signing this important piece of legislation that protects the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Buckeyes.”
Constitutional carry allows anyone who is legally allowed to posses a firearm to carry that firearm without a permit from the state. It does not expand access to firearms or allow any new categories of people to carry. Currently, it is legal for law-abiding citizens to carry a firearm if the firearm is visible. Now those same citizens can carry that firearm under a jacket or in a purse.
Ohio is now the 23rd state, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming, to allow law-abiding individuals to carry a concealed handgun without a government-issued permit.
The NRA thanks the governor and the bill's prime sponsor, Sen. Terry Johnson, for their leadership in advancing the right of self-defense of all Ohioans.