On Monday March 14th, 2022 Governor Mike DeWine signed the SB 215 or the Ohio permitless carry bill (constitutional carry) for the State Of Ohio. But, we think you should fully understand what it is and what it isn’t and why you should go ahead and take the class and get the actual CHL (Concealed Handgun License) for the State Of Ohio. This law though it has been signed does not go into effect until June 13, 2022.
Who Is Qualified & Who Isn’t?
Many are not fully understanding what this will allow and what it won’t when it comes to who is applies to. First the language in the bill uses the term “qualified” person. So what does qualified mean in this case?
Many are not fully understanding what this will allow and what it won’t when it comes to who is applies to. First the language in the bill uses the term “qualified” person. So what does qualified mean in this case?
Any person 21 years of age or older who legally can purchase or be in possession of a firearm can legally conceal it on their person whether they have the concealed handgun license or not.
As an example of who can not carry, in Ohio the state has a stipulation in the concealed carry law that if an individual has a minor misdemeanor drug charge of any type it is a disqualifying factor. So any factor that would prevent a person from obtaining a concealed handgun license will prevent that person from “legally” carrying a firearm.
It does not apply to long guns (rifles / shotguns)
Why Should You Still Take A Class & Get The License?
There are several reasons that you should seriously consider before carrying a firearm for self-defense or deciding to forgo the licensing process.
1. TRAINING
Even the most basic of classes can help you legally after a self-defense incident. THE MORE YOUR KNOW type of approach. It can be used to your advantage on your defense argument. That the training helped you make a better decision. However the more you know about your legal responsibilities and the more defensive training you have will help you make good decisions.
This is why we at Precision Defensive Solutions have spent a lot of time and money on advanced training in self-defense law and use of force topics. So that we are qualified to provide a much higher level of education for our students.
Training is just being responsible and prudent!
2. RECIPROCITY!
Currently Ohio’s CHL is honored in 40 different states. The likelihood is that if you carry in a different state without a license and you are stopped, you will be charged with carrying a concealed weapon without a license which is a felony. Even if you decide to run over to Pittsburgh or up to Michigan for the day and you have your gun on you, be prudent and have the license. Keep in mind that all other constitutional carry states have a permit option.
3. SUPERSEDES NICS
The Ohio CHL serves as your background check when purchasing a new firearm. This means that you can fill out the 4473 form, pay for your new firearm, and take it home. This bypasses the NICS check and if you are person who has been delayed because of something as simple as having a common name, this can help you take your new purchase home with you. However not all FFL dealers bypass the NICS check for CHL holders and that is their option. However many do just follow the law and bypass it.
4. POSSESSION OF A FIREARM IN A SCHOOL SAFETY ZONE
Everyday, everyone at some point enters a school safety zone even if we do not realize it. Many think that a school safety zone is inside the property lines of a school building or to make it simple entering the parking lot. That is simply not true! A school safety zone is defined as 1000 feet surrounding a school building this includes the roadway that goes through that school zone.
By statute it says that it is unlawful to be in the possession of a firearm within a school zone with a few exceptions and one of those key exceptions is if you are a valid holder of a concealed handgun license. For example if you were to get stopped for going 5mph over the 20mph speed limit and you were found to be in possession of a loaded firearm that you are carrying you could potentially be charged with a 5th degree felony at the federal level for something that was perfectly legal 500ft behind you and would be perfectly legal in 600 feet in front of you. Is it worth risking? We do not think so!
5. INTERACTION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT!
Everyone at some point has a lawful interaction with law enforcement and I guarantee their approach is going to be different than in the past. Police officers know that most (not all) CHL holders are good people who have been vetted through the training and background check process and most officers give consideration to those people who have been responsible enough to go through the process. But, police officers do not like surprises and on traffic stops that are incredibly dangerous for them they like to know who might have or who has a firearm.
This bill removes the “duty to notify” and changes it to that if the officer asks about it you have to answer promptly and truthfully. It is our recommendation though that you voluntarily tell the officer if they have stopped you for a lawful reason.