Ohio Enacts Right-to-Carry Law, Joining 22 Other States

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed Senate Bill 215, permitting firearms carry by Ohio citizens. This “Constitutional Carry” legislation will allow Ohio’s law-abiding gun owners to carry a concealed firearm without a permit from the state. The NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) praised Ohio for taking this step, joining 22 other states with similar Constitutional Carry laws:

“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.” — NRA-ILA

Constitutional carry allows anyone who is legally allowed to posses a firearm to carry that firearm without a state permit. It does not expand access to firearms or allow any new categories of people to carry. Previously it was legal for law-abiding Ohio citizens to carry a firearm if the firearm was visible. Now, with the passage of SB 215, those same citizens can carry that firearm under a jacket or in a purse.

Ohio is now the 23rd state to allow law-abiding individuals to carry a concealed handgun without a government-issued permit. Along with Ohio, the 22 other states are: 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.

The NRA thanks the Ohio Governor DeWine and the bill’s prime sponsor, Sen. Terry Johnson, for leadership in advancing the right of self-defense of all Ohio citizens.

More Information for Gun Owners with Carry Permits

Panteo Productions has released a series of FREE instructional videos for handgun owners. Co-sponsored by Ruger and Federal, the Handgun 101 video series covers handgun and ammunition nomenclature, handgun functions, basic shooting skills, and the key considerations for concealed carry. The three-part series includes: 1. Intro to Handguns; 2. A Concealed Carry Permit; and 3. Intro to Concealed Carry. All three videos provide valuable information on gun handling and legal issues. These videos are featured on the Panteao website along with other free videos, such as On the Range with Larry Vickers.