Sheriff Stevens updates community on new ‘constitutional carry’ law in Ohio

Tiffin, Ohio — Seneca County Sheriff Fred Stevens sent out an update to the community regarding Senate Bill 215, or the Ohio “constitutional carry” law, which went into effect Monday, June 13.

Senate Bill 215 allows “qualifying adults” in Ohio to carry a concealed handgun without the need for a permit, background check, or training, all of which were previously required.

According to Sheriff Stevens’ update, “qualifying adults” are 21 years of age or older, legal residents, not fugitives, not subject to a protection order, have not been hospitalized or adjudicated mentally ill, have not been dishonorably discharged from the military, do not have a conviction or delinquency for a felony, a drug offense, domestic violence, one misdemeanor offense of violence within three years or two within five years, or are not otherwise forbidden under state or federal law.

Stevens reminded residents that regardless of the recent change in the Ohio’s concealed carry law, deadly weapons are still prohibited in buildings within which a courthouse is located, such as the Seneca County Justice Center.

“Ohio law section 2923.123 still makes it a felony crime to bring in or have a deadly weapon or dangerous ordinance in a courthouse or into another building in which a courtroom is located, except for law enforcement officers in their official duties,” Stevens said in the update.

When Gov. Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 215 earlier this year, he joined 23 other states with “constitutional carry” laws on the books. Prior law required Ohioans carrying a concealed firearm to undergo eight hours of training, a background check, and an application through their local sheriff.