NRA-Backed Constitutional Carry Signed in Ohio

Fairfax, Va. - The NRA's Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) applauds Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine for signing Senate Bill 215, NRA-backed legislation that allows law-abiding gun owners to carry a firearm without a permit from the state.

“Any right requiring a fee or government permission slip isn't much of a right at all. That’s why the NRA worked tirelessly with state leaders and legislators to pass this landmark legislation in Ohio," said Jason Ouimet, NRA-ILA executive director. “The NRA commends Gov. DeWine for signing this important piece of legislation that protects the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Buckeyes.”

Constitutional carry allows anyone who is legally allowed to posses a firearm to carry that firearm without a permit from the state. It does not expand access to firearms or allow any new categories of people to carry. Currently, it is legal for law-abiding citizens to carry a firearm if the firearm is visible. Now those same citizens can carry that firearm under a jacket or in a purse.

Ohio is now the 23rd state, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming, to allow law-abiding individuals to carry a concealed handgun without a government-issued permit.

The NRA thanks the governor and the bill's prime sponsor, Sen. Terry Johnson, for their leadership in advancing the right of self-defense of all Ohioans.

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates 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. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at NRA on Facebook and Twitter @NRA.