Ohio Drops State Registration for Suppressors, Short-Barreled Guns

Ohio's outgoing Republican legislature just made it easier to own suppressors and short-barreled rifles and shotguns, stripping them out of the state's "dangerous ordnance" category before a gun-control-friendly governor takes office.

Snapshot

Senate Bill 214 removes suppressors, short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns from Ohio's dangerous-ordnance list, ending a state registration requirement layered on top of the existing federal NFA process. Bearing Arms reports the bill passed with mostly Republican votes but picked up some Democratic support, and frames it as a last window for pro-gun legislation before Governor-elect Amy Acton takes office.

Key points

• What changes: Ohioans who already pass the federal NFA background check and pay the $200 tax stamp no longer need a separate state sign-off to legally possess suppressors, SBRs or short-barreled shotguns.
• Lawmakers' reasoning: Rep. Kellie Deeter argued suppressors function as hearing protection, not stealth gear, while Rep. Tex Fischer said the bill "is in no way shape or form anything that's going to make Ohio less safe."
• Bipartisan edge: A handful of Democrats crossed over to support SB 214, and Bearing Arms notes Republicans could hold a veto-proof Senate majority, with the House margin still being sorted out.
• Political clock: Governor Mike DeWine is expected to sign it, but incoming Governor Acton, backed by gun-control groups, is likely to block future pro-gun bills once sworn in.

Quick take

For Ohio gun owners, this is a real, practical cleanup: one less registration hoop for NFA items you're already federally approved to own. Bearing Arms' Cam Edwards argues it's smart for Republicans to bank these wins now, since the legislative climate in Columbus is about to get much less friendly to gun rights.

Read the full story: bearingarms.com