BFA testifies for SB 273 to give retailers, law enforcement civil immunity for firearm storage

Buckeye Firearms Association (BFA) submitted testimony this week to the Ohio Senate Armed Services, Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee in support of Senate Bill 273.

The bill, known as the "Keep Them Safe Act," is sponsored by Sen. Kyle Koehler (R-Springfield) and would provide guidelines and civil immunity for the voluntary storage of firearms by retailers and law enforcement agencies as a service to citizens.

The committee, chaired by Sen. Terry Johnson (R-McDermott), held its second hearing on the bill Oct. 15.

Here is the submitted testimony of Rob Sexton, BFA's legislative affairs director:

Mr. Chairman, members of the Senate Armed Services, Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee, I am Rob Sexton, Legislative Affairs Director for Buckeye Firearms Association. BFA is Ohio's premier organization dedicated to defending and advancing the Second Amendment rights of our state's 4 million gun owners.

Our organization, as well as our members, have always promoted legal, safe, and responsible firearm use, whether for self-defense, hunting, competition, or recreation. We aim to support all firearm owners in any way possible, including at moments in their lives where they may need to store their firearms outside their home.

This need may arise when they are moving, on extended vacation, traveling for work, or most importantly, during moments when they are dealing with personal issues and make the voluntary decision to temporarily store their firearms in a secure location elsewhere. Many firearm retailers and law enforcement agencies are willing to provide safe firearm storage but are justifiably concerned about the liability of providing this service in today's litigious and politically charged environment.

Senate Bill 273 addresses this concern by outlining simple procedures for storage and providing retailers and law enforcement agencies with civil immunity. Without this protection, it is unlikely that any retailer or law enforcement agency would provide this service.

The bill does not force any retailer or law enforcement agency to provide firearm storage, nor does it micromanage the agreement between them and a firearm owner. It merely assures that if a retailer or law enforcement agency chooses to provide this service, and otherwise abides by existing laws, they will not be held responsible for the conduct of any person who chooses to use their storage service.

Additionally, the bill does not mandate storage by any firearm owner, nor does it provide a pathway for others to do so without the owner's consent. Firearm storage remains fully voluntary by both the firearm owner and the retailer or law enforcement agency offering storage.

SB 273 is a simple and straightforward concept supported by firearm owners, retailers, law enforcement, mental health and suicide prevention organizations, and Second Amendment groups alike.

Buckeye Firearms Association appreciates Senator Koehler’s leadership on this issue and his willingness to work with Second Amendment groups, retailers, and suicide prevention organizations to craft this measure. Buckeye Firearms Association fully supports this bill and urges the Senate Armed Services, Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee to approve it for consideration by the full Senate.