Stewart Votes to Pass Second Amendment 'Constitutional Carry'

COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives today passed two pieces of legislation supporting 2nd Amendment rights in Ohio. State Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) voted in support of both bills. 

“The bills we passed today will allow school districts to responsible arm staff to keep students safe, and will ensure law-abiding citizens are able to protect themselves and their loved ones by fully exercising their 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms,” said Stewart. 

House Bill 99, sponsored by State Rep. Thomas Hall (R-Madison Twp.), enhances school safety measures by enabling school districts to have local control of training requirements for arming teachers. Representative Stewart was one of 4 original co-sponsors of House Bill 99.

Also passed today is House Bill 227, referred to as “Constitutional Carry.” Under the bill, if you are 21 or older and can legally possess a handgun, you can legally carry that handgun concealed for any lawful purpose with no additional licenses, fees or paperwork required. The bill does not eliminate Ohio’s concealed handgun license system, but rather makes it optional. 

“As a gun owner, an infantry veteran of the Iraq War, and a proud defender of our 2nd Amendment rights, I am glad to co-sponsor this legislation which would make Ohio the 23rd constitutional carry state,” added Stewart.

Both bills will now head to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.