Ohio's New "Permitless-Carry" Law: Implications For Employers

Published date28 June 2022
Subject MatterEmployment and HR, Health & Safety, Employee Rights/ Labour Relations
Law FirmTaft Stettinius & Hollister
AuthorMs Jennifer Brumby and Douglas C. Anspach Jr

In March 2022, Governor DeWine signed Senate Bill (S.B.) 215, known as Ohio's "Permitless-Carry" Law. Effective June 13, 2022, Ohioans who are classified as "qualified adults" may carry or conceal a firearm without a permit and without completing the eight-hour training course that was previously required. However, the firearm must not be a dangerous ordnance or otherwise restricted under Ohio law. Pursuant to S.B. 215, a "qualified adult" means a person who is 21 years of age or older who is not legally prohibited from possessing or receiving a firearm under federal or state law and who satisfies all of the criteria listed in Section 2923.125 (D)(1)(a) to (j), (m), (p), (q), and (s) of the Ohio Revised Code. Generally, these sections refer to the application and background check process.

What does this mean for Ohio employers?

S.B. 215 does not further restrict a private employer's right to limit firearms on employer property. Private employers may continue to maintain and create their own policies prohibiting firearms on their premises or property, consistent with state law. However, qualified adults, along with permit holders, may now also store firearms in their personal vehicles parked on employer premises (as permit holders have been able to do since a change in the law in 2017), provided the vehicle is parked in a location where it is otherwise permitted to be and any firearm and ammunition are locked in the trunk, glove box, or another enclosed compartment or container within the privately owned motor vehicle.

Public employers continue to be prohibited from...

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