Ohio becomes the 23rd Constitutional Carry State
Ohio today became the 23rd Constitutional Carry state, and with Georgia and Nebraska looking like sure things, there will soon be at least 25 Constitutional Carry states. It appears likely that the governor in Indiana will also sign the bill that passed his state legislature with overwhelming votes, but that is the one where there is the biggest question mark.
Gov. Mike DeWine signed a bill into law Monday removing training, background check and permitting requirements to carry a concealed weapon in Ohio.
When the law takes effect in 90 days, all Ohioans aged 21 and older who are lawfully allowed to possess a weapon will be able to carry it concealed on their persons. Prior law required them to undergo eight hours of training, a background check, and an application through their local sheriff.
The enactment of “constitutional carry” or “permitless carry” marks a long-coveted win for the gun rights movement and firearms lobby, and a major loss for Democrats, anti-gun violence activists, police organizations and public health researchers who opposed it.
Ohio is now the 23nd state in the U.S. with a permitless carry law, according to a count from the U.S. Concealed Carry Association. Several states including Iowa, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming passed versions of the law in 2021. Alabama signed the legislation into law just last week.
