Ohio: Contact your State Legislators Today in Support of Important Self-Defense Bill!

Today, Sub. Senate Bill 199 is expected to receive its final votes; however, anti-gun groups are actively trying to defeat this bill!

It is important that you contact your state legislators TODAY and tell them that an employee’s fundamental right to self-defense shouldn’t stop simply because employees park their cars in publically accessible parking lots owned by their employers.  Please click the “Take Action” button below to contact your state legislators!

Sponsored by state Senator Joe Uecker (R-14), Sub. SB 199 would exempt active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces from the concealed carry permit license requirements.  The bill would make several important changes in the Concealed Handgun Law regarding a person who is an active duty member of the U.S. armed forces and is carrying a valid military identification card and a certificate issued by the person's applicable service branch indicating that the person has successfully completed small arms qualification (qualifying member of the military).

Sub. SB 199 was successfully amended in committee to allow an employee to store a firearm in his or her locked vehicle without fear of employer retribution.  Throughout the country, many employers have adopted “No Firearms” policies that extend beyond the physical workplace to include employee parking lots – areas often accessible to the general public and not secure.  These misguided policies leave employees to choose between protecting themselves during their commutes and be subject to termination by their employers.  The fundamental right to self-defense should not stop simply because employees park their cars in publicly accessible parking lots owned by their employers.  This bill would correct that problem by prohibiting employers from establishing, maintaining or enforcing such policies.

Without the use of a firearm to protect oneself, an individual is left at the mercy of law enforcement who often arrive after a violent crime has occurred.  Law enforcement response times vary depending on location and circumstances, but response times do not matter when individuals become victims of violent crime.  

Sub. SB 199 is an important self-defense bill which aims to protect the Second Amendment rights of active duty members, employees and law-abiding Ohioans across The Buckeye State. Once again, please click the “Take Action” button below to contact your state legislators in support of this important bill!