OHIO STATE SENATE OVERRIDES <br> GOVERNOR’S VETO OF PREEMPTION 21-12

Fairfax, VA - The Ohio State Senate voted to override Governor Taft’s veto of HB 347, National Rifle Association (NRA)-backed legislation, by a vote of 21-12.  Currently, 43 states across the country have similar laws, establishing statewide preemption to ensure that firearm laws are uniform throughout the state.  This is the first override of a governor’s veto in Ohio in 29 years.

Chris W. Cox, Executive Director of NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action, stated, “This is a monumental day for law-abiding gun owners in Ohio.  On behalf of our members and all Ohio gun owners, I want to thank House Speaker John Husted, Senate President Bill Harris and all the Ohio State legislators who voted to override this veto.  Plain and simple, HB 347 is good public policy, and we are pleased that the Ohio State Senate voted today to make this sound legislation become Ohio law.” 

Where no uniform state laws are in place, the result is often a complex patchwork of restrictions that change from one local jurisdiction to the next.  This affects hunters, target shooters and firearm collectors who travel through multiple jurisdictions on the way to hunting areas, shooting ranges and exhibitions. Additionally, individuals who travel with firearms for personal protection are at risk of breaking the law simply by crossing from one municipality to another.

To prevent the problems associated with restrictive local ordinances, 43 states have enacted "firearm preemption laws" – laws that prevent local jurisdictions from imposing ordinances more restrictive than laws passed by the state legislature.

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Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group.  Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime.  The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services.