Rep. John Becker's HB191 would align Ohio's definitions of automatic firearms with those of federal law

On Tuesday, State Representative John Becker (R-Union Township) introduced legislation related to how Ohio defines certain firearms.

According to a press release issued by his office, House Bill 191 would change the state's Weapons Control Law by removing from the definition of "automatic firearm" a semi-automatic firearm that is designed or adapted to fire more than 31 cartridges without reloading.

"Ohio law includes a clause that defines a semi-automatic weapon as fully automatic when it carries more than 31 rounds, but it is ridiculous to call any weapon 'fully automatic' based on an arbitrary magazine size," Becker said. "An AR-15 rifle doesn't suddenly become a machine gun by inserting a 40-round magazine."

Rep. Becker drafted the bill after hearing from constituents in his district. If enacted, House Bill 191 would align Ohio's definitions of the firearms with those of federal law.

Buckeye Firearms Association has learned that the bill will receive sponsor testimony in the Transportation, Public Safety & Homeland Security committee on Tuesday, June 11.