As part of the recently passed State Budget Bill, employers could soon face civil liability for violating R.C. § 2923.1210(A), the CCW law passed last year that allows individuals to store firearms in their privately-owned vehicles on employer property. That law has been in effect since March 2017, but an amendment in the Budget Bill gives the law new teeth, and allows employees to bring a civil suit against employers that are in violation of the law. Given this new development, it is imperative that employers review their firearm policies to ensure they do not unlawfully restrict employees from storing their firearms in personal vehicles.
Lawmakers have introduced several other bills that would expand concealed carry rights in Ohio. One such bill, House Bill 201, would allow anyone over the age of 21 to carry a concealed firearm without obtaining a concealed carry license unless otherwise prohibited by federal law.
House Bill 79 would allow EMTs and other tactical medical providers to carry concealed firearms while on duty, and grants the same protection from civil or criminal liability that is extended to law enforcement officers. House Bill 142 eliminates the notice requirement that CCW licensees and active duty military members promptly notify law enforcement officers that they are carrying a concealed weapon when stopped. House Bill 233 modifies the list of persons who must post a sign prohibiting weapons and would allow those individuals who carry a concealed handgun in a prohibited zone to leave the area without having their ammunition or handgun seized or being charged with a criminal offense. Finally, Senate Bill 122 would permit concealed handgun licensees to carry concealed handguns in the statehouse and on its grounds.