Ohio already has a preemption law that bars cities from passing their own gun ordinances. SB 278 would put teeth in it.
The Senate passed it 24-9 on April 15, and it went to the House. It would let people sue cities and townships that pass gun rules stricter than state law, with possible punitive damages, and make the city pay legal fees.
Supporters say cities like Columbus have ignored preemption for years with nothing to lose. Columbus’s ammo and safe-storage ordinances have been tied up in court for years. Opponents say it violates home rule under the Ohio Constitution.
Should cities face real financial penalties for this? Or is that the state overreaching on local government?
The Senate passed it 24-9 on April 15, and it went to the House. It would let people sue cities and townships that pass gun rules stricter than state law, with possible punitive damages, and make the city pay legal fees.
Supporters say cities like Columbus have ignored preemption for years with nothing to lose. Columbus’s ammo and safe-storage ordinances have been tied up in court for years. Opponents say it violates home rule under the Ohio Constitution.
Should cities face real financial penalties for this? Or is that the state overreaching on local government?