House Committee Passes Legislation to Allow Local Governments to Expand Concealed Carry Access

COLUMBUS—House Bill 272, legislation that will give local governments the permissive authority to expand concealed carry access, today passed out of the House Government Oversight Committee, announced bill sponsor, State Rep. Justin Pizzulli (R-Scioto County).

Under the bill, local governments may choose to expand concealed carry access to a courtroom or any building containing a courtroom if all of the following conditions are met:

• The building is not a designated courthouse, but a building in which a courtroom is simply located.
• The building in which the courtroom is located is a government building under the jurisdiction of the relevant local government.
• Court is not in session and the building is not being used for court purposes when weapons are allowed inside.
• The relevant local government has voluntarily enacted an ordinance allowing citizens to carry a weapon when the building is being used for non-court related purposes.

“This legislation empowers local control and strengthens Ohio’s concealed carry law,” said Pizzulli. “I appreciate the committee’s careful consideration of this legislation.”

Under current law, Ohioans are prohibited from carrying a concealed weapon within a courtroom or any building containing a courtroom, regardless of whether a court is in session or the building is being used as a courthouse.

House Bill 272 awaits a vote on the House floor.