05/20/2014

Legislative Efforts to Require Allowing Concealed Carry Weapons at Ohio Tourism Attractions

About the Issue:

Sen. Joe Uecker, R-Loveland, introduced a bill (SB 338) that would change several aspects of the current gun laws in Ohio. One section of that bill introduced changes that could impact the tourism industry in Ohio, particularly those venues who lease government property for operations. The bill originally made changes that would prohibit a person or entity leasing certain government property from posting signs prohibiting the carrying of firearms.

Under current law, cities cannot ban guns except for places identified in law, such as schools, police stations and administrative buildings. But those who lease state, federal or political subdivision land for events or long-term operation (such as an attraction, sports facility or conference center) are not currently restricted from posting signs banning guns. The original bill would have changed all that.

Responding to concerns that would prohibit private institutions leasing public property from creating their own firearms policy, Sen. Uecker has now introduced a substitute bill. “Sen. Uecker said the substitute deletes language regarding the carrying of weapons on state-owned property that is leased to private entities,” according to Gongwer News Service.

We are following up with Sen. Uecker to thank him for these revisions and to ensure these revisions also eliminate the restrictions for those holding leases on all government property.