Loychik and Grendell Introduce the 'Ohio Second Amendment Safe Haven Act'

State Reps. Mike Loychik (R-Bazetta) and Diane Grendell (R-Chesterland) announce they have introduced House Bill 62, known as the “Ohio Second Amendment Safe Haven Act,” which will designate Ohio as a second amendment protective state. The two representatives are joint sponsors on the legislation.

“I’m happy to represent my constituency and Ohioans across our great state that unequivocally deserve to have their constitutional rights protected,” said Loychik. “Ohioans have the freedom of the second amendment here in our state and we must prioritize the protection of their right to keep and bear arms.”

The legislation affirms the power of state rights over the federal government under the tenth amendment of the U.S. Constitution, especially in defense of the rights and liberties protected under it. Additionally, the bill supports the notion that the general assembly of Ohio strongly promote responsible gun ownership, use, enforcement, prompt reporting, storage, and condemnation of unlawful activity of firearms.

“I’m proud to stand with several of my colleagues within the General Assembly in supporting our citizens’ second amendment rights across our state,” said Grendell. “As representatives sworn-in to uphold our Constitution, we must ensure the lawful freedoms of our second amendment are not infringed upon.”

Simultaneously, the legislation considers the following federal acts, laws, or executive orders to be considered infringements on Ohioans’ right to keep and bear arms under the second amendment:

·         Any tax, levy, fee, or stamp imposed on firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition not common to all other goods and services and that might reasonably be expected to create a chilling effect on the purchase or ownership of those items by law-abiding citizens;

·         Any registering or tracking of firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition that might reasonably be expected to create a chilling effect on the purchase or ownership of those items by law-abiding citizens;

·         Any registering or tracking of the owners of firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition that might reasonably be expected to create a chilling effect on the purchase or ownership of those items by law-abiding citizens;

·         Any act forbidding the possession, ownership, or use or transfer of a firearm, firearm accessory, or ammunition by law-abiding citizens; and

·         Any act ordering the confiscation of firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition from law-abiding citizens.

With being recognized as a second amendment protective state, federal laws or authority enforcement that attempts to infringe on second amendment rights will be considered invalid. The bill also confirms it is the duty of the courts and law enforcement agencies to protect second amendment rights of law-abiding citizens of the state.

Currently, four states are considered “second amendment protected” with hundreds of other counties across the nation enacting certain laws with similar protections.

As of today, other than Loychik and Grendell, the Ohio Second Amendment Safe Haven Act has 12 cosponsors and has been assigned to the State and Local Government Committee.