COLUMBUS, OH – A proposal to give local governments more control over concealed carry rules is under review at the Ohio Statehouse. State Representative Justin Pizzulli (R-Scioto County) offered sponsor testimony this week before the House Public Safety Committee on House Bill 68, which he is co-sponsoring with Representative Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon).
The legislation seeks to amend Ohio’s concealed carry laws by granting local governments the permissive authority to allow citizens to carry concealed firearms in general-purpose government buildings that also contain courtrooms—provided court is not in session and certain safeguards are in place.
“The permissive nature of this bill, as well as safeguards put in place to ensure that it only applies to shared-use buildings where the decision-makers actually hold their meetings, make this a common-sense clarification for current law,” said Pizzulli. “This legislation empowers local control and strengthens our concealed carry framework.”
Currently, Ohio law prohibits carrying a concealed weapon in any building that contains a courtroom, regardless of whether court is in session or not. House Bill 68 would adjust that restriction, but only under the following conditions:
- The building is not designated solely as a courthouse.
- It falls under the jurisdiction of the relevant local government.
- Court is not in session, and the building is not being used for judicial purposes at the time.
- The local government passes an ordinance specifically permitting concealed carry in the building during non-court functions.
The proposal is a reintroduction of House Bill 272 from the previous General Assembly and is part of broader efforts by its sponsors to refine and modernize Ohio’s concealed carry laws.
House Bill 68 is awaiting further hearings and deliberation in the House Public Safety Committee.
