A new piece of legislation could soon reshape how Ohioans carry and transport firearms. The proposed Freedom to Carry Act, introduced in the Ohio House, seeks to update outdated transportation laws and expand lawful carry rights for responsible gun owners across the state.
Modernizing Ohio’s Firearm Transport Laws
Currently, most adults in Ohio can legally own and carry shotguns and rifles, but there are strict rules around how those firearms are transported, particularly when ammunition is stored nearby.
According to Spectrum News 1, State Rep. Josh Williams (R–Sylvania Township), a co-sponsor of the bill, said the intent is to bring the law in line with modern realities.
“Under current Ohio law, you can be charged with a felony offense for transporting your long rifle, your shotgun, to and from the gun range, to and from your hunting grounds to go hunting,” Williams told Spectrum News 1, “simply because of where the ammunition is placed according to the firearm.”
Williams added that the existing laws were written decades ago for vehicles with traditional trunks — a design that’s far less common in modern cars and SUVs.
“When these laws were drafted, they were intended for vehicles like a traditional car with the actual separate trunk,” Williams said. “But our modern cars mostly are vehicles that have one passenger compartment.”
The Freedom to Carry Act would address that discrepancy, allowing law-abiding gun owners to legally transport their firearms in newer vehicle designs without fear of criminal charges.
Lowering the Concealed Carry Age to 18
The bill would also lower the minimum age for concealed carry from 21 to 18, a significant shift that could expand lawful carry rights to more Ohioans.
Williams emphasized that this update aligns with existing ownership laws:
“Because for shotguns and long rifles, you can legally possess those firearms here in the state of Ohio, so you should be able to transport those firearms in the state of Ohio,” he said.
Debate Over Training, Responsibility
Not all lawmakers support the proposed changes. Rep. Darnell Brewer (D–Cleveland) expressed concerns about making sure individuals who carry are properly trained and responsible.
“Let’s respect the Second Amendment but also respect the lives of our communities and our children,” Brewer said. “Yes, you want to take it with you, whatever you have, but where’s the responsibility once it’s in that car?”
He added that more comprehensive training requirements could help boost safety.
“We have more training for cars than we have for guns,” Brewer said. “We have laws for more dangerous animals than we have for guns.”
What This Means for Ohio Gun Owners
If passed, the Freedom to Carry Act could make firearm transport and ownership more practical for many responsible gun owners, particularly those who use modern vehicles or regularly travel to ranges and hunting grounds. It could also extend concealed carry privileges to younger adults between 18 and 21.
At AimHi Family Firearms Center in New Albany, we continue to encourage all gun owners — new and experienced alike — to stay informed, practice safe handling and seek professional training. Regardless of age or experience level, education and situational awareness remain the cornerstones of responsible gun ownership.
Stay Informed
The bill remains under consideration in a House committee and has not yet received its first hearing. AimHi will continue to follow developments and provide updates as the legislation progresses.