Ohio State Law Summary

Posted on January 1, 2012

Last updated January 31, 2012

In our publication Gun Laws Matter 2012: Understanding the Link Between Weak Laws and Gun Violence, the Law Center ranked each state based on a review of state laws in 29 different firearms-related policy areas. Ohio ranked 18th out of 50 – having enacted few gun violence prevention laws. Among other things, Ohio requires a firearm owner to report the loss or theft of any firearm in the person’s possession or under the person’s control.

However, Ohio does not:

Require a background check prior to the transfer of a firearm between private parties;
Prohibit the transfer or possession of assault weapons, 50 caliber rifles, or large capacity ammunition magazines;
Require firearms dealers to obtain a state license;
Limit the number of firearms that may be purchased at one time;
Impose a waiting period on firearm purchases;
Regulate ammunition sales;
Allow local governments to regulate firearms; or
Provide local governments with the discretion to deny concealed weapons permits.

In 2009, 991 people died from firearm-related injuries in Ohio. In addition, based on data published by Mayors Against Illegal Guns, in every year from 2006 to 2009, Ohio was one of the top seven interstate suppliers of crime guns. In 2009, Ohio was also the top interstate supplier of crime guns to both West Virginia and Michigan.