Under a new law taking effect on June 13, 2022, Ohioans will no longer need a special permit to conceal carry handguns in the state. Currently, individuals must go through training before being licensed to conceal carry a gun.
SB 215, which Governor Mike DeWine signed earlier this month, provides that “qualifying adults” are afforded the same rights as persons granted concealed handgun licenses.
A qualifying adult is defined as an individual:
- 21 years of age or older,
- Not prohibited under federal law 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1)-(9) or Ohio Revised Code § 2923.13 from possessing a gun, and
- Who meets eligibility criteria under Ohio Revised Code 2923.125(D)(1)(a)-(j), (m), (p), (q), and (s).
The law does not apply to concealed carry of dangerous ordnances or firearms that the state prohibits anyone from possessing or carrying.
The new law will also amend several existing statutes under the Ohio Revised Code, making it so that any reference to a concealed handgun licensee will also apply to qualifying adults. That means if a law says that a permit holder can or cannot do something or go somewhere with a concealed gun, the same goes for a qualifying adult with a concealed handgun.
Also modified with the new law is the duty under ORC § 2923.12 for concealed handgun licensee to notify a police officer that they have a concealed handgun if they have been stopped by law enforcement. However, if law enforcement ask you directly if you are carrying a concealed handgun then you must answer the question truthfully. If you fail to do so, you may be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor. And if a person was convicted of or pleaded guilty of failure to notify before the effective date of the new law, they can seek to have their conviction expunged.
If you need legal representation in Columbus, please contact The Meranda Law Firm LTD at (614) 707-4239. We offer a free initial consultation.