South Ohio News

The Ohio House of Representatives has passed House Bill 272, a legislation that will give local governments the authority to expand concealed carry access. The bill, sponsored by State Reps. Adam Mathews and Justin Pizzulli, aims to clarify the law and empower municipalities to make decisions regarding concealed carry.

"This legislation clarifies the law and empowers municipalities like the ones in my district," said Mathews. "This is a victory for both Second Amendment rights and responsible governance."

Pizzulli added, "This legislation will extend our smaller municipalities the same rights as our larger ones with respect to local control of concealed carry. I’m grateful to see this common-sense legislation cross the finish line in the Ohio House."

Under the provisions of House Bill 272, local governments will have the authority to permit the carrying of a concealed weapon within certain general, multi-purpose community centers. However, there are specific conditions that must be met for this permission to be granted.

The building must not be a designated courthouse, but simply a building where a courtroom is located. The building must be under the jurisdiction of the relevant local government, and court must not be in session or the building used for court purposes when weapons are allowed inside. Additionally, the local government must have enacted an ordinance allowing citizens to carry a weapon when the building is being used for non-court related purposes.

The bill now awaits consideration by the Ohio Senate, where it will be scrutinized further before potentially becoming law. This legislation seeks to provide local governments with the ability to make decisions that align with their community's needs and preferences.

If passed, House Bill 272 will ensure that Ohioans have consistent concealed carry regulations across the state, while also respecting the authority of local governments. It is a step towards balancing the rights of individuals with the responsibility of governance.