Ohio 2026 Second Amendment Bills and Firearm News

Recent Enacted Laws Strengthening Gun Rights

Several significant bills signed into law in 2025 have already reshaped Ohio’s firearm landscape. Senate Bill 58, signed by Governor Mike DeWine in January 2025, enacts the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act. It prohibits state or local requirements for firearm liability insurance or fees tied to possession, while barring the creation of a state firearm registry. Proponents hail it as a safeguard against financial burdens and government overreach on lawful owners. 

House Bill 452 expanded self-defense protections, granting immunity from both criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits for individuals using force to protect themselves or others in certain scenarios, including guests at nonprofits like churches. This builds on Ohio’s “stand your ground” framework and was incorporated into broader workplace violence prevention measures. 

Ohio’s concealed handgun licensing system remains operational despite permitless carry. The Attorney General’s 2025 report noted 77,159 permits issued that year, underscoring continued interest in formal credentials for reciprocity and other benefits. 

Key Pending and Advanced Bills in 2026

Senate Bill 278 (Sponsored by Sen. Terry Johnson, R-McDermott) represents a major push to enforce state firearms preemption. Passed by the Ohio Senate on April 15, 2026, along partisan lines, the bill amends Ohio Revised Code Section 9.68 to allow individuals or organizations to seek punitive or exemplary damages against municipalities enacting gun regulations stricter than state law. It also permits recovery of attorney fees and court costs. 

Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) argued the measure protects lawful Second Amendment exercise from “overzealous municipalities.” Critics, including Democratic leaders and city officials from Columbus and Cincinnati, contend it undermines home rule authority and could deter local efforts on safe storage to prevent child access incidents. As of mid-May 2026, the bill had been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. 

Senate Bill 214, passed by the Senate 31-1 in March 2026, seeks to remove firearm suppressors (silencers) from the definition of “dangerous ordnance.” Sponsored to ease regulatory burdens on hearing protection and hunting, the bill advances to the House for further consideration. Supporters note alignment with federal trends toward suppressor deregulation. 

Senate Bill 303 (also sponsored by Sen. Terry Johnson) would allow 18- to 20-year-olds to purchase handguns from federally licensed dealers, provided they are not otherwise prohibited. Referred to committee in late 2025, the bill addresses perceived inconsistencies in age restrictions for long guns versus handguns and prepares for potential federal shifts. It has drawn support from groups like the Buckeye Firearms Association. 

House Bill 382, the Second Amendment Protection Act (introduced by Rep. Tex Fischer and others), aims to prohibit state and local agencies from enforcing certain federal firearm regulations deemed unconstitutional. It includes provisions for permitless concealed carry enhancements for qualifying adults and civil penalties for violations. The bill remains in committee but reflects broader “sanctuary” efforts against federal overreach. 

Other notable proposals include Rep. Jennifer Gross’s (R-West Chester) legislation for a sales tax exemption on firearm safety devices (gun safes, locks), introduced in February 2025 with bipartisan cosponsorship to encourage responsible ownership. Sen. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) has pushed the Freedom to Carry Act, seeking to lower the concealed carry license age to 18 and ease long-gun transport rules. 

Broader Context and Firearm Landscape

Ohio maintains strong baseline protections: no assault weapon bans, no magazine capacity limits, open carry without restriction for those not otherwise prohibited, and constitutional carry for qualifying adults 21 and older. Firearms are not subject to registration or licensing for possession. 

Ongoing court battles involve cities like Columbus defending safe storage ordinances against state preemption challenges. The Ohio Supreme Court has allowed appeals on related injunctions, highlighting persistent local-state friction. 

Advocacy groups such as the NRA-ILA, Buckeye Firearms Association, and Gun Owners of America actively track and support these measures. In the 2026 primary context, endorsements emphasized pro-Second Amendment candidates. 

Public safety debates continue, with Democrats and some local leaders advocating measures like mandatory safe storage to reduce accidental shootings involving children, while Republicans prioritize uniform state law and individual rights. 

Outlook for the Remainder of 2026

With the General Assembly returning after May primaries, momentum favors further pro-Second Amendment advancements, particularly on preemption enforcement (SB 278), suppressors (SB 214), and youth handgun purchases (SB 303). Governor DeWine’s past actions suggest measured support for rights expansions without broad opposition to core reforms. 

These developments position Ohio among states expanding gun owner liberties amid national Second Amendment litigation at the U.S. Supreme Court. Stakeholders on all sides will monitor House action and potential gubernatorial review closely. Law-abiding citizens benefit from reduced burdens, while debates over local autonomy and safety persist. 

Ohio’s 2026 legislative session underscores a commitment to viewing the right to keep and bear arms as fundamental. As bills progress, they will shape the balance between individual liberties, public safety, and governmental authority for years to come.