Rep. Claggett Votes in Support of Senate Bill, Aligns Ohio with Federal Gun Laws

State Representative Thad Claggett (R-Licking County) today voted in support of Senate Bill 214 – legislation to remove firearm suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns from Ohio’s definition of dangerous ordnance in alignment with federal law. 

“Suppressors protect hearing. They cut a gunshot by roughly 20-35 dB. They also lead to less recoil and muzzle rise thus improving accuracy. This is good law, and long overdue, but I am pleased that we got it done,” said Claggett. 

Senate Bill 214 works to do the following:

• Allow a person to acquire, have, carry, or use a firearm muffler or suppressor. 
• Remove firearm mufflers or suppressors, short-barreled shotguns, and short-barreled rifles from the classification of dangerous ordnance. 
• Provide that under Ohio law, an owner of a firearm muffler or suppressor is no longer required to register the firearm muffler or suppressor in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. 

In early October, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced it would no longer enforce the requirement for individuals to obtain prior approval before making or transferring short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, or suppressors. This change follows the One Big Beautiful Bill’s elimination of the National Firearms Act. If enacted, Senate Bill 214 would align Ohio with these federal firearm laws.

Senate Bill 214 now heads back to the Senate for a concurrence vote.