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COLUMBUS, OH — A newly introduced bill in the Ohio House aims to clarify and expand lawful concealed carry provisions while also offering a path to firearm rights restoration for nonresidents with Ohio convictions. House Bill 68, sponsored by Representatives Adam Mathews and Justin Pizzulli, has been referred to the House Public Safety Committee for consideration.

As written, HB 68 proposes two significant reforms to current Ohio firearms law:

1. Expanded Carry in Government Buildings with Courtrooms (Non-Courthouse):
   The bill would permit valid Ohio concealed handgun license holders to lawfully carry in buildings where courtrooms are present, as long as the facility is not a courthouse, the courtroom is not in operation at the time, and the building’s governing authority has approved such carry through statute, ordinance, or policy. This change enhances clarity and consistency across jurisdictions while respecting local authority.
2. Relief from Firearms Disability for Nonresidents:
   HB 68 would also allow nonresidents of Ohio to seek statutory relief from firearms disability based on an Ohio conviction, guilty plea, or juvenile adjudication. Under current law, only residents may petition for this relief in Ohio courts. This provision would align Ohio’s laws with principles of fairness and due process for individuals whose rights were restricted by an Ohio court, even if they now live elsewhere.

These changes are a common-sense modernization of firearm laws. The carry provision balances public safety with individual rights, enabling licensed individuals to carry in secure government buildings that are not active courthouses—only if permitted by local authorities and during times when the court is not in session. It enhances situational awareness for responsibly armed citizens without affecting courtroom integrity.

Furthermore, the relief for nonresidents reflects Ohio’s commitment to due process. Those who have served their sentences, demonstrated law-abiding behavior, and no longer pose a risk should have the opportunity to regain their Second Amendment rights, regardless of where they currently reside. It brings Ohio law in line with fundamental constitutional principles.

This bill represents a thoughtful step forward in preserving the rights of responsible gun owners while respecting institutional boundaries and public safety.

Next, House Bill 68 will undergo review in the Ohio House Public Safety Committee, where lawmakers will hold hearings to discuss its provisions, hear testimony from supporters and opponents, and potentially recommend amendments. If it passes out of committee, the bill will proceed to the full House floor for debate and a vote. Should it receive a majority vote there, it will move on to the Ohio Senate for a similar process—committee review, Senate floor vote, and, if successful, final approval. If both chambers pass the bill in identical form, it will be sent to the governor for signature into law.