Franklin County judge, a Democrat, shoots down Columbus gun ordinances

A Franklin County common pleas judge has ruled that Ohio state law overrides local attempts to enact gun control ordinances, delivering a significant blow to defiant cities like Columbus and a win for gun rights advocates.

Judge Mark Serrott, a Democrat, granted summary judgment Aug. 19 in favor of the state in City of Columbus v. State of Ohio (See Case No. 23 CV 003555). In January, both parties had filed motions for summary judgment.

At the heart of the case is Ohio Revised Code 9.68 — known as the Firearms-Uniformity Law — enacted via BFA-supported HB 347 in 2006 and effective since 2007. The statute mandates consistent firearm regulations statewide, covering ownership, possession, purchase, transport, storage, and sale of firearms, components, and ammunition.

Despite a prior judicial order to halt such actions, Columbus City Council in December 2022 passed a series of gun control measures, including a ban on magazines holding 30 or more rounds and mandatory firearm storage requirements within homes.

In April 2023, a Delaware County judge blocked the city from enforcing these ordinances, deeming them unlawful. Columbus unsuccessfully appealed that decision.

Columbus — undeterred and unwilling to tackle the real issues leading to violent crime — continued its legal battle against law-abiding gun owners at local taxpayers' expense, arguing that the state law violates the Ohio Constitution’s home rule provision. Two related cases remain active — one in Delaware County and another in Franklin County.

Judge Serrott’s ruling was unequivocal:

“The Supreme Court of Ohio has held twice now that the Firearms-Uniformity Law is a general law that is constitutional and does not violate the home rule amendment of the Ohio Constitution.”

Dean Rieck, executive director of Buckeye Firearms Association, reiterated his long-standing concern that cities like Columbus will persist until the Ohio Supreme Court weighs in — and even then, they may seek alternative legal avenues.

“I wish I could say that taking this matter to the Ohio Supreme Court would stop cities from trying to regulate firearms,” Rieck said. “But the court has ruled twice on this issue and effectively told cities to stop the nonsense. But it hasn't worked. Maybe we need to strengthen the law again and include serious penalties for violating 9.68 that will make city leaders more hesitant to break state law.”

As legal challenges from anti-gun municipal leaders continue, BFA remains committed to confronting them head-on. See some of our continuing coverage and updates on these and similar cases.

Joe D. "Buck" Ruth, a longtime small-game hunter and gun owner who spent nearly three decades in the news industry, is the website and social-media manager for Buckeye Firearms Association.