AG Wilson urges lawmakers to clarify firearm laws

Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson has asked state legislators to clarify Ohio’s firearm laws following a recent announcement by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
 
In a letter to Senate President Rob McColley and House Speaker Matt Huffman, Wilson cites the ATF’s Oct. 9 announcement that it will no longer require individuals to obtain its approval under the National Firearms Act before making or transferring short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns or firearm suppressors.
 
Ohio law currently prohibits the creation, possession or use of these items without ATF approval. 
 
Wilson warns that confusion surrounding the ATF announcement may lead otherwise law-abiding firearm owners to unknowingly break Ohio law.
 
Wilson writes: “Under current Ohio law, Ohioans wishing to own or use a short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun or firearm suppressor must register those items with the federal government or face the risk of criminal prosecution. If that reflects the policy of this legislature, so be it. If, on the other hand, the legislature sees these registration requirements as archaic remnants of an overly restrictive past, it is time to eliminate them from Ohio law.”