Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson is asking state lawmakers to clarify Ohio’s firearm laws following a recent announcement by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
In a letter sent to Senate President Rob McColley and House Speaker Matt Huffman, Wilson pointed to an October 9 announcement that the ATF will no longer require individuals to obtain federal approval before making or transferring short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, or firearm suppressors.
However, Ohio law currently prohibits the creation, possession, or use of those items without ATF approval.
Wilson says the difference between federal policy and Ohio law could create confusion and lead law-abiding gun owners to unknowingly violate state law.
He says lawmakers need to decide whether Ohio’s existing requirements should remain in place or be removed from state law.
Wilson noted that if lawmakers believe the registration requirements are outdated and overly restrictive, it is time to eliminate them.
Until Ohio law is clarified or changed, firearm owners should be aware that the state’s existing restrictions remain in effect.
