State Rep. Robb Blasdel Supports Effort to Strengthen Senate Bill 214 and Protect Ohio Gun Owners

State Representative Monica Robb Blasdel (R-New Waterford) today expressed her support for expanding Senate Bill 214 so that suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns are all removed from Ohio’s dangerous ordnance restrictions, and stated she will continue to closely monitor the legislation as it moves through the House committee process.

Under current Ohio law, suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns are classified as dangerous ordnance, and possessing them without federal National Firearms Act (NFA) registration or another qualifying exemption can result in state felony charges. Following a landmark federal court ruling limiting federal enforcement and the federal government’s announcement that it will end enforcement of dangerous ordnance registration under the NFA, serious concerns have been raised that Ohio’s parallel enforcement statute could leave law-abiding gun owners in Ohio exposed to state penalties.

“The Second Amendment is a fundamental right, and law-abiding Ohioans should not face felony charges because our state law has not kept pace with changes at the federal level,” said Rep. Robb Blasdel. “I have heard from constituents across Columbiana and Carroll Counties who care deeply about this issue, and I will be watching Senate Bill 214 closely as it moves through committee to make sure their voices are heard.”

Sponsored by State Senator Kyle Koehler (R-Springfield), Senate Bill 214 would remove firearm suppressors from Ohio’s definition of dangerous ordnance. The bill passed the Ohio Senate by a vote of 31–1 in March and is currently pending before the House Public Safety Committee. Proposed amendments would extend the bill’s changes to short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns as well.

Rep. Robb Blasdel has a consistent record of supporting the rights of Ohio gun owners, including cosponsoring House Bill 495, the Freedom to Carry Act, which is also pending before the House Public Safety Committee.

To follow the progress of Senate Bill 214, click here.