Ohio bill would allow certain public officials to carry guns in government facilities

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio lawmakers and other elected officials with a concealed carry permit would be allowed to bring guns into government buildings under a recently introduced bill. 

House Bill 460, sponsored by Reps. Thaddeus Claggett (R-Licking County) and Bernard Willis (R-Springfield), would permit elected officials, including members of the state legislature, along with judges and magistrates, to carry a concealed handgun in any government facility, such as the Statehouse or a city hall. 

“We just want to be sure everyone goes home safely,” Claggett said. “It’s that simple.”

Introduced on Sept. 17, the legislation would mandate that such public officials hold a valid concealed carry license and show photo ID confirming the office they hold. 

Although the bill would require public officials to hold a concealed carry permit to bring a gun in government buildings, a permit is not required to possess a firearm in Ohio. However, a permit allows an individual to carry a firearm in the 39 states that honor Ohio’s concealed carry license. To obtain one, residents must undergo eight hours of training. 

Ohio law generally bans firearms in government facilities and courthouses, along with a handful of other places, including churches. However, courthouses can currently choose whether to allow judges and magistrates to carry guns. Under the bill, members of the public would still be barred from bringing firearms into government buildings. 

Claggett said the bill has been in the works for at least two years and stemmed from lawmakers learning about cases where local judges were harassed. He also stated that the June killing of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, which prompted Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine to increase security for Ohio lawmakers, influenced his decision to push for the proposal. 

“Of course, we had the more recent issues of the shooting there in Minnesota, and so that was very concerning,” Claggett said. “We had the Highway Patrol having to be at our house at all hours of the day and night and so it’s just a combination of a lot of things that said it’s time to get this done.”

Hortman’s death, as well as the Sept. 10 assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, also inspired another Republican-led Ohio bill that would increase the penalties for politically motivated violence. 

Claggett emphasized that HB 460 would give public officials the option to carry a handgun in government buildings, but would not require it, leaving the choice up to each individual. 

The bill awaits its first hearing. Although it currently does not have any additional cosponsors, according to the state legislature’s website, Claggett said other lawmakers have shown support for the proposal.