Ohio AG Wilson urges lawmakers to clarify suppressor, SBR firearm laws

Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson today (Oct. 23) asked state legislators to clarify Ohio’s firearm laws after a recent announcement by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, according to a news release from Wilson's office.

Buckeye Firearms Association has been working with lawmakers on that very topic.

In a letter to Senate President Rob McColley and House Speaker Matt Huffman, Wilson cites the ATF’s Oct. 9 announcement that it will no longer require individuals to obtain its approval under the National Firearms Act of 1934 before making or transferring short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, or firearm suppressors.

Ohio law currently prohibits the creation, possession, or use of these items without ATF approval.

Wilson warns that confusion surrounding the ATF announcement could lead otherwise law-abiding firearm owners to unknowingly break Ohio law, according to the release.

“Under current Ohio law, Ohioans wishing to own or use a short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun or firearm suppressor must register those items with the federal government or face the risk of criminal prosecution," Wilson said in the release. "If that reflects the policy of this legislature, so be it. If, on the other hand, the legislature sees these registration requirements as archaic remnants of an overly restrictive past, it is time to eliminate them from Ohio law.”

Buckeye Firearms Association has been working diligently with legislators to update state laws on both issues, as well as other pro-gun legislation.

BFA-backed Senate Bill 214, which has passed the Senate and is expected to pass the House soon and advance to the governor's desk with bipartisan support, would address the suppressors issue.

A combination of other BFA-backed bills that are less advanced would address short barrels.

"BFA has been working closely and effectively with Speaker Huffman and President McColley to remedy these issues," said Jim Samuel, BFA's legislative-affairs director. "BFA was actively involved at the federal level to do away with the unconstitutional NFA mandates and even signed on to letters and a lawsuit to that end. Likewise, we're making progress at the state level and are confident Ohio will not be left behind."