'Permitless carry' starts Monday, but it doesn't allow a free-for-all

Permits no longer will be required to carry a concealed handgun in Ohio starting Monday — but that doesn't mean weapons can suddenly be carried anywhere by anyone. The Lorain County Sheriff's Office already is wary about confusion surrounding Senate Bill 215, signed into law this spring by Gov. Mike DeWine. It has warned that firearms will not be allowed in county or municipal court buildings, and that attempting to take one inside is a felony. Sheriff's Capt. Richard Bosley said Friday that jails, schools, airports and all government buildings are still off-limits. "I think whenever there's a law change like that, especially when it's one this major, there's going to be a learning curve," he said. Lorain County Administrator J.R. White confirmed that any county building under the commissioners' direct control will remain no-carry zones. Private businesses and places of worship are still free to place signs at entry points, banning firearms inside. That even applies to some public places, such as libraries — Director Jennifer Starkey said the Elyria Public Library will continue its gun-free policy, for example. Under federal law, a concealed carry license will be required to carry in a school zone in your vehicle. It must remain secured and locked in the vehicle when you get out. The change in state law means that "qualifying adults" can carry without any training, background check or documentation. That applies to anyone age 21 or older who is a legal resident of the United States, not a fugitive, has no protection orders against them and are not considered mentally ill or hospitalized for psychiatric treatment. A dishonorable discharge from the military also disqualifies someone from carrying a concealed handgun. So do felony, drug or domestic violence convictions, or committing one violent misdemeanor offense in the past three years or two within the last five years, according to the Ohio Legislative Service Commission. In some cases, a plea deal can include a restriction on possessing or receiving firearms — that's still binding. Bosley said that people who are legally able to carry should consider still getting a concealed carry license, even if it's optional. "They need to know how to carry a firearm," he said. "They need to know what the laws are surrounding the use of firearms. It's a great right they have, but it's also a great responsibility." Getting a license involves not only a background check but also paying a minimum $67 fee and taking an eight-hour training class with two hours of hands-on instruction. A license also will still be needed if an Ohioan wants to carry a concealed handgun in another state, he said. Ohio first passed a law requiring concealed carry permits in 2004. In 2021, the Ohio Attorney General's Office reported it had issued 94,298 new permits through the year. The number of licenses renewed last year was also 50 percent higher than in 2020, a record high for the program, Attorney General Dave Yost said. His office also reported that a record number of regular license applications — 2,668 — were denied last year. Lorain County did not make the top 10 in the state for new licenses issued — the top spot went to Franklin County, then Lake, Greene, Ashland, Portage, Butler, Stark, Madison, Geauga and Clermont counties. There were 439 licenses issued last year in Lorain County, plus 801 renewed, 16 suspended, six revoked and six denied. Last year, sheriffs across the state suspended 1,880 licenses after learning the holder was charged with certain offenses or was the subject of a protection order. Bosley and the state Legislative Commission both said people who were previously denied licenses still cannot carry, even with the new law in effect. The Buckeye Firearms Association, which lobbied for permitless concealed carry, also stressed that there are changes to the "duty to inform." Under the old law, anyone stopped by law enforcement was required to promptly tell officers they had a concealed weapon. That's not necessarily the case anymore. Now, you only have to inform an officer who asks whether you are carrying — and that officer only. There is no longer a duty to tell other officers who arrive or approach. Ohioans also will be able to carry a concealed, loaded handgun in their vehicles with or without a concealed carry license, the Buckeye Firearms Association said. There are other laws for transporting rifles and shotguns, however: They must be "unloaded, in a closed container, with ammunition in a separate container or closed compartment, in your trunk or in an area not accessible without leaving your vehicle," according to a BFA guide. Nor does the new state law allow anyone to carry a concealed rifle or shotgun. "Surprisingly, someone actually did ask this question," said the BFA guide. "We're not sure exactly how someone would carry concealed rifles and shotguns other than under a long trench coat. However, the answer is no. Ohio's concealed carry laws apply to handguns only." Contact Jason Hawk at (440) 329-7122 or news@lcnewspapers.com.