What the Freedom to Carry Act would change
The legislation, dubbed the Freedom to Carry Act, is aimed at aligning Ohio’s transport rules with federal law and modern vehicle designs, Cutrona said. Under current Ohio law, gun owners can face felony charges for “improper handling of a firearm” if they transport long guns—such as shotguns or rifles—with ammunition in or near the gun, even inside a private vehicle and even if they hold a valid concealed carry license.
The bill would allow law‑abiding residents to carry rifles and shotguns in vehicles without running afoul of that statute, provided they are otherwise legally allowed to possess the firearms. Supporters argue the change is needed because many modern vehicles no longer have traditional trunks, making the existing rules impractical for hunters, target shooters, and others moving firearms between properties.
Lowering concealed carry age to 18
In addition to transport rules, the Freedom to Carry Act would lower the minimum age to obtain a concealed carry license from 21 to 18, according to Cutrona. Ohio already allows 18‑year‑olds to possess and openly carry firearms, but existing law bars concealed carry permits for those under 21; the bill would extend concealed carry rights to that younger group.
Cutrona framed the move as a way to expand Second Amendment protections for “qualified adults” while bringing state law in line with how many residents already legally own and carry long guns.
Backers, skeptics and next steps
The bill’s lead co‑sponsor is state Sen. Terry Johnson (R‑McDermott), with six additional Republican co‑sponsors. Cutrona said he has received “excellent feedback” from colleagues and expects hearings in the coming weeks as the measure moves through the Senate.
Gun‑rights advocates, including groups that have lobbied for similar reforms, say the bill would reduce the risk of accidental felonies for responsible gun owners traveling between homes, hunting grounds, or shooting ranges. However, opponents have not yet issued detailed public statements, though critics of past gun‑law loosening have warned that lowering age thresholds and expanding transport allowances could raise public‑safety concerns.
For now, the Freedom to Carry Act remains a policy proposal, not a change in law. Any repeal or modification of Ohio’s current long‑gun transport rules would require the measure to pass both chambers of the General Assembly and be signed by the governor.
