What Are Ohio’s New Gun Laws?

Beginning June 13, 2022, Ohio will join a growing number of states who permit persons to carry concealed weapons WITHOUT a permit. Citizens stopped by police will no longer have to immediately notify officers that they are carrying a weapon. However, the new law does require a person to truthfully respond to a police inquiry on whether they are carrying a weapon, and failure to do so could result in a misdemeanor charge. There are several important points to remember. First, persons who are convicted of a crime which disables them from possessing a gun, STILL cannot carry a firearm, even under this new law. Second, this law only applies to handguns, and it does not apply to shotguns or rifles. Third, in Ohio, you must be 21 years-old to possess a handgun. Next, there are still exclusion zones, like airports, schools and government buildings, where you STILL cannot carry a gun. Lastly, you still may want to consider obtaining your concealed weapon permit, if you plan to visit another state with your handgun.