As Introduced

136th General Assembly

Regular Session H. B. No. 495

2025-2026

Representatives Gross, Williams

Cosponsors: Representatives Mullins, Swearingen, Claggett, Fischer, Ferguson, Hall, T., Thomas, D., Barhorst, Robb Blasdel, Pizzulli, King, Stephens, Kishman, Holmes, Schmidt, Mathews, T., Lear, McClain, Teska, Workman, Dean, Lorenz, Deeter, Newman, Creech, John, Klopfenstein, Miller, M., Ritter

To amend sections 9.68, 109.69, 109.731, 311.41, 311.42, 311.43, 1547.69, 2921.13, 2923.11, 2923.111, 2923.12, 2923.121, 2923.122, 2923.123, 2923.124, 2923.125, 2923.126, 2923.127, 2923.128, 2923.129, 2923.1210, 2923.1211, 2923.1212, 2923.1213, 2923.16, 2923.17, 2953.35, and 4749.10 and to repeal section 1533.04 of the Revised Code to enact the Freedom to Carry Act to rename a concealed handgun license a concealed weapons license and to allow a concealed weapons licensee to carry a concealed deadly weapon other than an exclusive deadly weapon.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO:

Section 1. That sections 9.68, 109.69, 109.731, 311.41, 311.42, 311.43, 1547.69, 2921.13, 2923.11, 2923.111, 2923.12, 2923.121, 2923.122, 2923.123, 2923.124, 2923.125, 2923.126, 2923.127, 2923.128, 2923.129, 2923.1210, 2923.1211, 2923.1212, 2923.1213, 2923.16, 2923.17, 2953.35, and 4749.10 of the Revised Code be amended to read as follows:

Sec. 9.68. (A) The individual right to keep and bear arms, being a fundamental individual right that predates the United States Constitution and Ohio Constitution, and being a constitutionally protected right in every part of Ohio, the general assembly finds the need to provide uniform laws throughout the state regulating the ownership, possession, purchase, other acquisition, transport, storage, carrying, sale, other transfer, manufacture, taxation, keeping, and reporting of loss or theft of deadly weapons, including firearms, and their components, accessories, attachments, and their ammunition, and knives. The general assembly also finds and declares that it is proper for law-abiding people to protect themselves, their families, and others from intruders and attackers without fear of prosecution or civil action for acting in defense of themselves or others. Except as specifically provided by the United States Constitution, Ohio Constitution, state law, or federal law, a person, without further license, permission, restriction, delay, or process, including by any ordinance, rule, regulation, resolution, practice, or other action or any threat of citation, prosecution, or other legal process, may own, possess, purchase, acquire, transport, store, carry, sell, transfer, manufacture, or keep any deadly weapon, including any firearm, part of a firearm, and its components, accessories, attachments, and its ammunition, and any knife, without being required to have firearm liability insurance, and without being required to pay a fee for the possession of a deadly weapon, including any firearm, part of a firearm, and its components, its accessories, attachments, and ammunition, or a knife. Any such further license, permission, restriction, delay, or process interferes with the fundamental individual right described in this division and unduly inhibits law-abiding people from protecting themselves, their families, and others from intruders and attackers and from other legitimate uses of constitutionally protected arms, including hunting and sporting activities, and the state by this section preempts, supersedes, and declares null and void any such further license, permission, restriction, delay, or process.

(B) A person, group, or entity adversely affected by any manner of ordinance, rule, regulation, resolution, practice, or other action enacted or enforced by a political subdivision in conflict with division (A) of this section may bring a civil action against the political subdivision seeking damages from the political subdivision, declaratory relief, injunctive relief, or a combination of those remedies. Any damages awarded shall be awarded against, and paid by, the political subdivision. In addition to any actual damages awarded against the political subdivision and other relief provided with respect to such an action, the court shall award reasonable expenses to any person, group, or entity that brings the action, to be paid by the political subdivision, if either of the following applies:

(1) The person, group, or entity prevails in a challenge to the ordinance, rule, regulation, resolution, practice, or action as being in conflict with division (A) of this section.

(2) The ordinance, rule, regulation, resolution, practice, or action or the manner of its enforcement is repealed or rescinded after the civil action was filed but prior to a final court determination of the action.

(C) As used in this section:

(1) The possession, transporting, or carrying of deadly weapons, including firearms, and their components, their accessories, attachments, and ammunition, or knives include, but are not limited to, the possession, transporting, or carrying, openly or concealed on a person's person or concealed ready at hand, of deadly weapons, including firearms, and their components, their accessories, attachments, and ammunition, or knives.

(2) "Firearm" has "Deadly weapon" and "firearm" have the same meaning meanings as in section 2923.11 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Reasonable expenses" include, but are not limited to, reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, expert witness fees, and compensation for loss of income.

(4) "Knife" means a cutting instrument and includes a sharpened or pointed blade.

(5) "Arms" includes firearms and knives.

(6) "Firearm liability insurance" means a policy of liability insurance covering losses resulting from the use of a deadly weapon, including a firearm and its components, accessories, attachments, or ammunition owned by the person covered by the policy.

(D) This section does not apply to either of the following:

(1) A zoning ordinance that regulates or prohibits the commercial sale of knives deadly weapons, including firearms, firearm and their components, accessories, attachments, or ammunition for firearms or knives in areas zoned for residential or agricultural uses;

(2) A zoning ordinance that specifies the hours of operation or the geographic areas where the commercial sale of knives deadly weapons, including firearms, firearm and their components, accessories, attachments, or ammunition for firearms or knives may occur, provided that the zoning ordinance is consistent with zoning ordinances for other retail establishments in the same geographic area and does not result in a de facto prohibition of the commercial sale of knives deadly weapons, including firearms, firearm and their components, accessories, attachments, or ammunition for firearms or knives in areas zoned for commercial, retail, or industrial uses.

Sec. 109.69. (A)(1) The attorney general shall negotiate and enter into a reciprocity agreement with any other license-issuing state under which a concealed handgun license that is issued by the other state and that authorizes the carrying of concealed handguns, firearms, or deadly weapons is recognized in this state, except as provided in division (B) of this section, if the attorney general determines that both of the following apply:

(a) The eligibility requirements imposed by that license-issuing state for that license are substantially comparable to the eligibility requirements for a concealed handgun weapons license issued under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code.

(b) That license-issuing state recognizes a concealed handgun weapons license issued under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code.

(2) A reciprocity agreement entered into under division (A)(1) of this section also may provide for the recognition in this state of a concealed handgun license issued on a temporary or emergency basis by the other license-issuing state that authorizes the carrying of concealed handguns, firearms, or deadly weapons, if the eligibility requirements imposed by that license-issuing state for the temporary or emergency license are substantially comparable to the eligibility requirements for a concealed handgun weapons license issued under section 2923.125 or 2923.1213 of the Revised Code and if that license-issuing state recognizes a concealed handgun weapons license issued under section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code.

(3) The attorney general shall not negotiate any agreement with any other license-issuing state under which a concealed handgun license that is issued by the other state and that authorizes the carrying of concealed handguns, firearms, or deadly weapons is recognized in this state other than as provided in divisions (A)(1) and (2) of this section.

(B)(1) If, on or after the effective date of this amendment March 23, 2015, a person who is a resident of this state has a valid concealed handgun license that was issued by another license-issuing state and that authorizes the carrying of concealed handguns, firearms, or deadly weapons and the other state has entered into a reciprocity agreement with the attorney general under division (A)(1) of this section or the attorney general determines that the eligibility requirements imposed by that license-issuing state for that license are substantially comparable to the eligibility requirements for a concealed handgun weapons license issued under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code, the license issued by the other license-issuing state shall be recognized in this state, shall be accepted and valid in this state, and grants the person the same right to carry a concealed handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon in this state as a person who was issued a concealed handgun weapons license under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code prior to, on, or after the effective date of this amendment.

(2) If, on or after the effective date of this amendmentMarch 23, 2015, a person who is a resident of this state has a valid concealed handgun license that was issued by another license-issuing state and that authorizes the carrying of concealed handguns, firearms, or deadly weapons and the other state has not entered into a reciprocity agreement with the attorney general under division (A)(1) of this section, the license issued by the other license-issuing state shall be recognized in this state, shall be accepted and valid in this state, and grants the person the same right to carry a concealed handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon in this state as a person who was issued a concealed handgun weapons license under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code prior to, on, or after the effective date of this amendment, for a period of six months after the person became a resident of this state. After that six-month period, if the person wishes to obtain a concealed handgun weapons license, the person shall apply for a concealed handgun weapons license pursuant to section 2923.125 of the Revised Code.

(3) If, on or after the effective date of this amendmentMarch 23, 2015, a person who is not a resident of this state has a valid concealed handgun license that was issued by another license-issuing state and that authorizes the carrying of concealed handguns, firearms, or deadly weapons, regardless of whether the other license-issuing state has entered into a reciprocity agreement with the attorney general under division (A)(1) of this section, and if the person is temporarily in this state, during the time that the person is temporarily in this state the license issued by the other license-issuing state shall be recognized in this state, shall be accepted and valid in this state, and grants the person the same right to carry a concealed handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon in this state as a person who was issued a concealed handgun weapons license under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code prior to, on, or after the effective date of this amendment.

(C) The attorney general shall publish each determination described in division (B)(1) of this section that the attorney general makes in the same manner that written agreements entered into under division (A)(1) or (2) of this section are published.

(D) As used in this section:

(1) "Handgun," "concealed handgun "Concealed weapons license," "deadly weapon," "firearm," "handgun," and "valid concealed handgun weapons license" have the same meanings as in section 2923.11 of the Revised Code.

(2) "License-issuing state" means a state other than this state that, pursuant to law, provides for the issuance of a license to carry a concealed handgun weapon, to carry a concealed firearm, or to carry a concealed deadly weapon.

(3) "Exclusive deadly weapon" has the same meaning as in section 2923.111 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 109.731. (A)(1) The attorney general shall prescribe, and shall make available to sheriffs an application form that is to be used under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code by a person who applies for a concealed handgun weapons license and an application form that is to be used under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code by a person who applies for the renewal of a license of that nature. The attorney general shall design the form to enable applicants to provide the information that is required by law to be collected, and shall update the form as necessary. Burdens or restrictions to obtaining a concealed handgun weapons license that are not expressly prescribed in law shall not be incorporated into the form. The attorney general shall post a printable version of the form on the web site of the attorney general and shall provide the address of the web site to any person who requests the form.

(2) The Ohio peace officer training commission shall prescribe, and shall make available to sheriffs, all of the following:

(a) A form for the concealed handgun weapons license that is to be issued by sheriffs to persons who qualify for a concealed handgun weapons license under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code and that conforms to the following requirements:

(i) It has space for the licensee's full name, residence address, and date of birth and for a color photograph of the licensee.

(ii) It has space for the date of issuance of the license, its expiration date, its county of issuance, the name of the sheriff who issues the license, and the unique combination of letters and numbers that identify the county of issuance and the license given to the licensee by the sheriff in accordance with division (A)(2)(c) of this section.

(iii) It has space for the signature of the licensee and the signature or a facsimile signature of the sheriff who issues the license.

(iv) It does not require the licensee to include serial numbers of handguns firearms or other deadly weapons, other identification related to handguns firearms or other deadly weapons, or similar data that is not pertinent or relevant to obtaining the license and that could be used as a de facto means of registration of handguns firearms or other deadly weapons owned by the licensee.

(b) A series of three-letter county codes that identify each county in this state;

(c) A procedure by which a sheriff shall give each concealed handgun weapons license, replacement concealed handgun weapons license, or renewal concealed handgun weapons license and each concealed handgun weapons license on a temporary emergency basis or replacement concealed weapons license on a temporary emergency basis the sheriff issues under section 2923.125 or 2923.1213 of the Revised Code a unique combination of letters and numbers that identifies the county in which the license was issued and that uses the county code and a unique number for each license the sheriff of that county issues;

(d) A form for a concealed handgun weapons license on a temporary emergency basis that is to be issued by sheriffs to persons who qualify for such a license under section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code, which form shall conform to all the requirements set forth in divisions (A)(2)(a)(i) to (iv) of this section and shall additionally conspicuously specify that the license is issued on a temporary emergency basis and the date of its issuance.

(B)(1) The Ohio peace officer training commission, in consultation with the attorney general, shall prepare a pamphlet that does all of the following, in everyday language:

(a) Explains the firearms deadly weapons laws of this state, including the aspects of those laws with respect to firearms;

(b) Instructs the reader in dispute resolution and explains the laws of this state related to that matter;

(c) Provides information to the reader regarding all aspects of the use of deadly force with a firearm deadly weapon, including, but not limited to, the steps that should be taken before contemplating the use of, or using, deadly force with a firearm deadly weapon, possible alternatives to using deadly force with a firearm deadly weapon, and the law governing the use of deadly force with a firearm deadly weapon. The information provided as described in this division shall cover all deadly weapons, including firearms.

(2) The attorney general shall consult with and assist the commission in the preparation of the pamphlet described in division (B)(1) of this section and, as necessary, shall recommend to the commission changes in the pamphlet to reflect changes in the law that are relevant to it. The attorney general shall publish the pamphlet on the web site of the attorney general and shall provide the address of the web site to any person who requests the pamphlet.

(3) The attorney general shall create and maintain a section on the attorney general's web site that provides information on firearms deadly weapons laws of this state, including the aspects of those laws with respect to firearms, that are specifically applicable to members of the armed forces of the United States and a link to the pamphlet described in division (B)(1) of this section.

(C) The Ohio peace officer training commission shall maintain statistics with respect to the issuance, renewal, suspension, revocation, and denial of concealed handgun weapons licenses under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code and the suspension of processing of applications for those licenses, and with respect to the issuance, suspension, revocation, and denial of concealed handgun weapons licenses on a temporary emergency basis under section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code, as reported by the sheriffs pursuant to division (C) of section 2923.129 of the Revised Code. Not later than the first day of March in each year, the commission shall submit a statistical report to the governor, the president of the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives indicating the number of concealed handgun weapons licenses that were issued, renewed, suspended, revoked, and denied under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code in the previous calendar year, the number of applications for those licenses for which processing was suspended in accordance with division (D)(3) of that section in the previous calendar year, and the number of concealed handgun weapons licenses on a temporary emergency basis that were issued, suspended, revoked, or denied under section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code in the previous calendar year. Nothing in the statistics or the statistical report shall identify, or enable the identification of, any individual who was issued or denied a license, for whom a license was renewed, whose license was suspended or revoked, or for whom application processing was suspended. The statistics and the statistical report are public records for the purpose of section 149.43 of the Revised Code. The requirements of this division apply regarding all concealed weapons licenses, regardless of whether the issuance, renewal, suspension, revocation, or denial in question occurred prior to, on, or after the effective date of this amendment.

(D) As used in this section, "concealed handgun weapons license" and "deadly weapon" and "handgun" have the same meanings as in section 2923.11 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 311.41. (A)(1) Upon receipt of an application for a concealed handgun weapons license under division (C) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code, an application to renew a concealed handgun weapons license under division (F) of that section, or an application for a concealed handgun weapons license on a temporary emergency basis under section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code, the sheriff shall conduct a criminal records check and an incompetency check of the applicant to determine whether the applicant fails to meet the criteria described in division (D)(1) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code. As part of any such criminal records check, the sheriff shall contact the national instant criminal background check system to verify that the applicant is eligible lawfully to receive or possess a firearm in the United States. The sheriff shall conduct the criminal records check and the incompetency records check required by this division through use of an electronic fingerprint reading device or, if the sheriff does not possess and does not have ready access to the use of an electronic fingerprint reading device, by requesting the bureau of criminal identification and investigation to conduct the checks as described in this division.

In order to conduct the criminal records check and the incompetency records check, the sheriff shall obtain the fingerprints of at least four fingers of the applicant by using an electronic fingerprint reading device for the purpose of conducting the criminal records check and the incompetency records check or, if the sheriff does not possess and does not have ready access to the use of an electronic fingerprint reading device, shall obtain from the applicant a completed standard fingerprint impression sheet prescribed pursuant to division (C)(2) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code. The fingerprints so obtained, along with the applicant's social security number, shall be used to conduct the criminal records check and the incompetency records check. If the sheriff does not use an electronic fingerprint reading device to obtain the fingerprints and conduct the records checks, the sheriff shall submit the completed standard fingerprint impression sheet of the applicant, along with the applicant's social security number, to the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation and shall request the bureau to conduct the criminal records check and the incompetency records check of the applicant and, if necessary, shall request the superintendent of the bureau to obtain information from the federal bureau of investigation as part of the criminal records check for the applicant. If it is not possible to use an electronic fingerprint reading device to conduct an incompetency records check, the sheriff shall submit the completed standard fingerprint impression sheet of the applicant, along with the applicant's social security number, to the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation and shall request the bureau to conduct the incompetency records check. The sheriff shall not retain the applicant's fingerprints as part of the application.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this division, if at any time the applicant decides not to continue with the application process, the sheriff immediately shall cease any investigation that is being conducted under division (A)(1) of this section. The sheriff shall not cease that investigation if, at the time of the applicant's decision not to continue with the application process, the sheriff had determined from any of the sheriff's investigations that the applicant then was engaged in activity of a criminal nature.

(B) If a criminal records check and an incompetency records check conducted under division (A) of this section do not indicate that the applicant fails to meet the criteria described in division (D)(1) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code, except as otherwise provided in this division, the sheriff shall destroy or cause a designated employee to destroy all records other than the application for a concealed handgun weapons license, the application to renew a concealed handgun weapons license, or the affidavit submitted regarding an application for a concealed handgun weapons license on a temporary emergency basis that were made in connection with the criminal records check and incompetency records check within twenty days after conducting the criminal records check and incompetency records check. If an applicant appeals a denial of an application as described in division (D)(2) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code or challenges the results of a criminal records check pursuant to section 2923.127 of the Revised Code, records of fingerprints of the applicant shall not be destroyed during the pendency of the appeal or the challenge and review. When an applicant appeals a denial as described in that division, the twenty-day period described in this division commences regarding the fingerprints upon the determination of the appeal. When required as a result of a challenge and review performed pursuant to section 2923.127 of the Revised Code, the source the sheriff used in conducting the criminal records check shall destroy or the chief operating officer of the source shall cause an employee of the source designated by the chief to destroy all records other than the application for a concealed handgun weapons license, the application to renew a concealed handgun weapons license, or the affidavit submitted regarding an application for a concealed handgun weapons license on a temporary emergency basis that were made in connection with the criminal records check within twenty days after completion of that challenge and review.

(C) If division (B) of this section applies to a particular criminal records check or incompetency records check, no sheriff, employee of a sheriff designated by the sheriff to destroy records under that division, source the sheriff used in conducting the criminal records check or incompetency records check, or employee of the source designated by the chief operating officer of the source to destroy records under that division shall fail to destroy or cause to be destroyed within the applicable twenty-day period specified in that division all records other than the application for a concealed handgun weapons license, the application to renew a concealed handgun weapons license, or the affidavit submitted regarding an application for a concealed handgun weapons license on a temporary emergency basis made in connection with the particular criminal records check or incompetency records check.

(D) Divisions (B) and (C) of this section apply with respect to all applications for a concealed weapons license, regardless of whether the application was made prior to, on, or after the effective date of this amendment.

(E) Whoever violates division (C) of this section is guilty of failure to destroy records, a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(E)(F) As used in this section:

(1) "Concealed handgun weapons license" and "deadly weapon" and "handgun" have the same meanings as in section 2923.11 of the Revised Code.

(2) "National instant criminal background check system" means the system established by the United States attorney general pursuant to section 103 of the "Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act," Pub. L. No. 103-159.

Sec. 311.42. (A) Each county shall establish in the county treasury a sheriff's concealed handgun weapons license issuance expense fund. The sheriff of that county shall deposit into that fund all fees paid by applicants for the issuance or renewal of a concealed handgun weapons license or duplicate concealed handgun weapons license under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code and all fees paid or by the a person seeking a concealed handgun weapons license on a temporary emergency basis under section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code. The county shall distribute all fees deposited into the fund except forty dollars of each fee paid by an applicant under division (B) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code, fifteen dollars of each fee paid under section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code, and thirty-five dollars of each fee paid under division (F) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code to the attorney general to be used to pay the cost of background checks performed by the bureau of criminal identification and investigation and the federal bureau of investigation and to cover administrative costs associated with issuing the license. This division applies with respect to all applications for issuance or renewal of a concealed weapons license, regardless of whether the application occurred prior to, on, or after the effective date of this amendment.

(B) The sheriff, with the approval of the board of county commissioners, may expend any county portion of the fees deposited into the sheriff's concealed handgun weapons license issuance expense fund for any of the following:

(1) Any costs incurred by the sheriff in connection with performing any administrative functions related to the issuance of concealed handgun weapons licenses under section 2923.125 or 2923.1213 of the Revised Code, including, but not limited to, personnel expenses and any costs associated with a firearm safety education program, or a firearm training or qualification program that the sheriff chooses to fund;

(2) Ammunition and firearms to be used by the sheriff and the sheriff's employees;

(3) Any costs incurred in constructing, maintaining, or renovating a shooting range to be used by the sheriff or the sheriff's employees, including costs incurred for equipment associated with the shooting range;

(4) Any costs incurred for nonlethal weapons and supplies to be used by the sheriff or the sheriff's employees, including costs incurred for training on the use of nonlethal weapons;

(5) Any costs incurred for a sheriff's employee to attend a basic peace officer training academy or a basic correction officer academy approved by the Ohio peace officer training commission.

(C) As used in this section, "concealed weapons license" and "deadly weapon" have the same meanings as in section 2923.11 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 311.43. (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Certification" means the participation and assent of the chief law enforcement officer necessary under federal law for the approval of an application to make or transfer a firearm.

(2) "Chief law enforcement officer" means any official the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives, or any successor agency, identifies by regulation or otherwise as eligible to provide any required certification for the making or transfer of a firearm.

(3) "Concealed handgun weapons license" has the same meaning as in section 2923.11 of the Revised Code.

(B) A resident of this state may submit to the sheriff of the county in which the resident resides or to the sheriff of any county adjacent to the county in which the resident resides any federal form that requires a law enforcement certification by a chief law enforcement officer.

(C) The sheriff shall accept and process the certification in the same manner as an application for a concealed handgun weapons license is processed under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code, including the requirement for a background check, except as follows:

(1) If a resident of this state submits one or more federal forms, the sheriff shall charge the resident no more than the applicable fee described in division (B)(1)(a) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code, without regard to how many federal forms are submitted at the same time.

(2) If a resident of this state submits one or more federal forms and currently has a concealed handgun weapons license or the sheriff has previously approved a federal form for that resident, the sheriff shall charge the resident no more than the applicable fee described in division (F)(4) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code, without regard to how many federal forms are submitted at the same time.

Sec. 1547.69. (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Firearm," "Active duty," "concealed handgun weapons license," "deadly weapon," "firearm," "handgun," and "valid concealed handgun weapons license," and "active duty" have the same meanings as in section 2923.11 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Unloaded" has the same meanings as in divisions (K)(5) and (6) of section 2923.16 of the Revised Code, except that all references in the definition in division (K)(5) of that section to "vehicle" shall be construed for purposes of this section to be references to "vessel."

(3) "Exclusive firearm" has the same meaning as in section 2923.111 of the Revised Code.

(B) No person shall knowingly discharge a firearm while in or on a vessel.

(C) No person shall knowingly transport or have a loaded firearm in a vessel in a manner that the firearm is accessible to the operator or any passenger.

(D) No person shall knowingly transport or have a firearm in a vessel unless it is unloaded and is carried in one of the following ways:

(1) In a closed package, box, or case;

(2) In plain sight with the action opened or the weapon stripped, or, if the firearm is of a type on which the action will not stay open or that cannot easily be stripped, in plain sight.

(E)(1) The affirmative defenses authorized in divisions (D)(1) and (2) of section 2923.12 of the Revised Code are affirmative defenses to a charge under division (C) or (D) of this section that involves a firearm other than a handgun. It is an affirmative defense to a charge under division (C) or (D) of this section of transporting or having a firearm of any type, including a handgun, in a vessel that the actor transported or had the firearm in the vessel for any lawful purpose and while the vessel was on the actor's own property, provided that this affirmative defense is not available unless the actor, prior to arriving at the vessel on the actor's own property, did not transport or possess the firearm in the vessel or in a motor vehicle in a manner prohibited by this section or division (B) or (C) of section 2923.16 of the Revised Code while the vessel was being operated on a waterway that was not on the actor's own property or while the motor vehicle was being operated on a street, highway, or other public or private property used by the public for vehicular traffic.

(2) No person who is charged with a violation of division (C) or (D) of this section shall be required to obtain a license or temporary emergency license to carry a concealed handgun weapon under section 2923.125 or 2923.1213 of the Revised Code as a condition for the dismissal of the charge.

(F) Divisions (B), (C), and (D) of this section do not apply to the possession or discharge of a United States coast guard approved signaling device required to be carried aboard a vessel under section 1547.251 of the Revised Code when the signaling device is possessed or used for the purpose of giving a visual distress signal. No person shall knowingly transport or possess any signaling device of that nature in or on a vessel in a loaded condition at any time other than immediately prior to the discharge of the signaling device for the purpose of giving a visual distress signal.

(G) No person shall operate or permit to be operated any vessel on the waters in this state in violation of this section.

(H)(1) This section does not apply to any of the following:

(a) An officer, agent, or employee of this or any other state or of the United States, or to a law enforcement officer, when authorized to carry or have loaded or accessible firearms in a vessel and acting within the scope of the officer's, agent's, or employee's duties;

(b) Any person who is employed in this state, who is authorized to carry or have loaded or accessible firearms in a vessel, and who is subject to and in compliance with the requirements of section 109.801 of the Revised Code, unless the appointing authority of the person has expressly specified that the exemption provided in division (H)(1)(b) of this section does not apply to the person;

(c) Any person legally engaged in hunting.

(2) (2)(a) Divisions (C) and (D) of this section do not apply to a person who transports or possesses a handgun in a vessel a firearm that is not an exclusive firearm and who to whom, at the time of that transportation or possession, either of the following applies:

(i) The person has been issued a concealed handgun weapons license that is valid at the time of that transportation or possession or who, at the time of that transportation or possession, ;

(ii) The person is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States and is carrying has been issued a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in division (G)(1) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code, unless that are valid at the time of the transportation or possession.

(b) The exemptions specified in division (H)(2)(a) of this section do not apply to a person if, at the time of the person's transport or possession of a firearm, the person knowingly is in a place on the vessel described in division (B) of section 2923.126 of the Revised Code.

(I) If a law enforcement officer stops a vessel for a violation of this section or any other law enforcement purpose, if any person on the vessel surrenders a firearm deadly weapon to the officer, either voluntarily or pursuant to a request or demand of the officer, and if the officer does not charge the person with a violation of this section or arrest the person for any offense, the person is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearmdeadly weapon, and the firearm deadly weapon is not contraband, the officer shall return the firearm deadly weapon to the person at the termination of the stop.

(J) Division (L)(F)(5)(b) of section 2923.16 of the Revised Code applies with respect to division (A)(2) of this section, except that all references in division (L)(F)(5)(b) of section 2923.16 of the Revised Code to "vehicle," to "this chapter," or to "division (K)(5)(a) or (b) of this section" shall be construed for purposes of this section to be, respectively, references to "vessel," to "section 1547.69 of the Revised Code," and to divisions (K)(5)(a) and (b) of section 2923.16 of the Revised Code as incorporated under the definition of firearm adopted under division (A)(2) of this section.

Sec. 2921.13. (A) No person shall knowingly make a false statement, or knowingly swear or affirm the truth of a false statement previously made, when any of the following applies:

(1) The statement is made in any official proceeding.

(2) The statement is made with purpose to incriminate another.

(3) The statement is made with purpose to mislead a public official in performing the public official's official function.

(4) The statement is made with purpose to secure the payment of unemployment compensation; Ohio works first; prevention, retention, and contingency benefits and services; disability financial assistance; retirement benefits or health care coverage from a state retirement system; economic development assistance, as defined in section 9.66 of the Revised Code; or other benefits administered by a governmental agency or paid out of a public treasury.

(5) The statement is made with purpose to secure the issuance by a governmental agency of a license, permit, authorization, certificate, registration, release, or provider agreement.

(6) The statement is sworn or affirmed before a notary public or another person empowered to administer oaths.

(7) The statement is in writing on or in connection with a report or return that is required or authorized by law.

(8) The statement is in writing and is made with purpose to induce another to extend credit to or employ the offender, to confer any degree, diploma, certificate of attainment, award of excellence, or honor on the offender, or to extend to or bestow upon the offender any other valuable benefit or distinction, when the person to whom the statement is directed relies upon it to that person's detriment.

(9) The statement is made with purpose to commit or facilitate the commission of a theft offense.

(10) The statement is knowingly made to a probate court in connection with any action, proceeding, or other matter within its jurisdiction, either orally or in a written document, including, but not limited to, an application, petition, complaint, or other pleading, or an inventory, account, or report.

(11) The statement is made on an account, form, record, stamp, label, or other writing that is required by law.

(12) The statement is made in connection with the purchase of a firearm, as defined in section 2923.11 of the Revised Code, and in conjunction with the furnishing to the seller of the firearm of a fictitious or altered driver's or commercial driver's license or permit, a fictitious or altered identification card, or any other document that contains false information about the purchaser's identity.

(13) The statement is made in a document or instrument of writing that purports to be a judgment, lien, or claim of indebtedness and is filed or recorded with the secretary of state, a county recorder, or the clerk of a court of record.

(14) The statement is made in an application filed with a county sheriff pursuant to section 2923.125 of the Revised Code in order to obtain or renew a concealed handgun weapons license or is made in an affidavit submitted to a county sheriff to obtain a concealed handgun weapons license on a temporary emergency basis under section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code, regardless of whether the application was made or affidavit was submitted prior to, on, or after the effective date of this amendment.

(15) The statement is required under section 5743.71 of the Revised Code in connection with the person's purchase of cigarettes or tobacco products in a delivery sale.

(B) No person, in connection with the purchase of a firearm, as defined in section 2923.11 of the Revised Code, shall knowingly furnish to the seller of the firearm a fictitious or altered driver's or commercial driver's license or permit, a fictitious or altered identification card, or any other document that contains false information about the purchaser's identity.

(C) No person, in an attempt to obtain a concealed handgun weapons license under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code, shall knowingly present to a sheriff a fictitious or altered document that purports to be certification of the person's competence in handling a handgun firearm as described in division (B)(3) of that section.

(D) It is no defense to a charge under division (A)(6) of this section that the oath or affirmation was administered or taken in an irregular manner.

(E) If contradictory statements relating to the same fact are made by the offender within the period of the statute of limitations for falsification, it is not necessary for the prosecution to prove which statement was false but only that one or the other was false.

(F)(1) Whoever violates division (A)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (10), (11), (13), or (15) of this section is guilty of falsification. Except as otherwise provided in this division, falsification is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(2) Whoever violates division (A)(9) of this section is guilty of falsification in a theft offense. Except as otherwise provided in this division, falsification in a theft offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the value of the property or services stolen is one thousand dollars or more and is less than seven thousand five hundred dollars, falsification in a theft offense is a felony of the fifth degree. If the value of the property or services stolen is seven thousand five hundred dollars or more and is less than one hundred fifty thousand dollars, falsification in a theft offense is a felony of the fourth degree. If the value of the property or services stolen is one hundred fifty thousand dollars or more, falsification in a theft offense is a felony of the third degree.

(3) Whoever violates division (A)(12) or (B) of this section is guilty of falsification to purchase a firearm, a felony of the fifth degree.

(4) Whoever violates division (A)(14) or (C) of this section is guilty of falsification to obtain a concealed handgun weapons license, a felony of the fourth degree.

(5) Whoever violates division (A) of this section in removal proceedings under section 319.26, 321.37, 507.13, or 733.78 of the Revised Code is guilty of falsification regarding a removal proceeding, a felony of the third degree.

(G) A person who violates this section is liable in a civil action to any person harmed by the violation for injury, death, or loss to person or property incurred as a result of the commission of the offense and for reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, and other expenses incurred as a result of prosecuting the civil action commenced under this division. A civil action under this division is not the exclusive remedy of a person who incurs injury, death, or loss to person or property as a result of a violation of this section.

(H) As used in this section, "concealed weapons license" has the same meaning as in section 2923.11 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 2923.11. As used in sections 2923.11 to 2923.24 2923.25 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Deadly weapon" means any instrument, device, or thing capable of inflicting death, and designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried, or used as a weapon.

(B)(1) "Firearm" means any deadly weapon capable of expelling or propelling one or more projectiles by the action of an explosive or combustible propellant. "Firearm" includes an unloaded firearm, and any firearm that is inoperable but that can readily be rendered operable.

(2) When determining whether a firearm is capable of expelling or propelling one or more projectiles by the action of an explosive or combustible propellant, the trier of fact may rely upon circumstantial evidence, including, but not limited to, the representations and actions of the individual exercising control over the firearm.

(C) "Handgun" means any of the following:

(1) Any firearm that has a short stock and is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand;

(2) Any combination of parts from which a firearm of a type described in division (C)(1) of this section can be assembled.

(D) "Semi-automatic firearm" means any firearm designed or specially adapted to fire a single cartridge and automatically chamber a succeeding cartridge ready to fire, with a single function of the trigger.

(E) "Automatic firearm" means any firearm designed or specially adapted to fire a succession of cartridges with a single function of the trigger.

(F) "Sawed-off firearm" means a shotgun with a barrel less than eighteen inches long, or a rifle with a barrel less than sixteen inches long, or a shotgun or rifle less than twenty-six inches long overall. "Sawed-off firearm" does not include any firearm with an overall length of at least twenty-six inches that is approved for sale by the federal bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives under the "Gun Control Act of 1968," 82 Stat. 1213, 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3), but that is found by the bureau not to be regulated under the "National Firearms Act," 68A Stat. 725 (1934), 26 U.S.C. 5845(a).

(G) "Zip-gun" means any of the following:

(1) Any firearm of crude and extemporized manufacture;

(2) Any device, including without limitation a starter's pistol, that is not designed as a firearm, but that is specially adapted for use as a firearm;

(3) Any industrial tool, signalling signaling device, or safety device, that is not designed as a firearm, but that as designed is capable of use as such, when possessed, carried, or used as a firearm.

(H)(G) "Explosive device" means any device designed or specially adapted to cause physical harm to persons or property by means of an explosion, and consisting of an explosive substance or agency and a means to detonate it. "Explosive device" includes without limitation any bomb, any explosive demolition device, any blasting cap or detonator containing an explosive charge, and any pressure vessel that has been knowingly tampered with or arranged so as to explode.

(I)(H) "Incendiary device" means any firebomb, and any device designed or specially adapted to cause physical harm to persons or property by means of fire, and consisting of an incendiary substance or agency and a means to ignite it.

(J)(I) "Ballistic knife" means a knife with a detachable blade that is propelled by a spring-operated mechanism.

(K)(J) "Dangerous ordnance" means any of the following, except as provided in division (L)(K) of this section:

(1) Any automatic or sawed-off firearm, zip-gun, or ballistic knife;

(2) Any explosive device or incendiary device;

(3) Nitroglycerin, nitrocellulose, nitrostarch, PETN, cyclonite, TNT, picric acid, and other high explosives; amatol, tritonal, tetrytol, pentolite, pecretol, cyclotol, and other high explosive compositions; plastic explosives; dynamite, blasting gelatin, gelatin dynamite, sensitized ammonium nitrate, liquid-oxygen blasting explosives, blasting powder, and other blasting agents; and any other explosive substance having sufficient brisance or power to be particularly suitable for use as a military explosive, or for use in mining, quarrying, excavating, or demolitions;

(4) Any firearm, rocket launcher, mortar, artillery piece, grenade, mine, bomb, torpedo, or similar weapon, designed and manufactured for military purposes, and the ammunition for that weapon;

(5) Any firearm muffler or suppressor;

(6) Any combination of parts that is intended by the owner for use in converting any firearm or other device into a dangerous ordnance.

(L)(K) "Dangerous ordnance" does not include any of the following:

(1) Any firearm, including a military weapon and the ammunition for that weapon, and regardless of its actual age, that employs a percussion cap or other obsolete ignition system, or that is designed and safe for use only with black powder;

(2) Any pistol, rifle, or shotgun, designed or suitable for sporting purposes, including a military weapon as issued or as modified, and the ammunition for that weapon, unless the firearm is an automatic or sawed-off firearm;

(3) Any cannon or other artillery piece that, regardless of its actual age, is of a type in accepted use prior to 1887, has no mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or other system for absorbing recoil and returning the tube into battery without displacing the carriage, and is designed and safe for use only with black powder;

(4) Black powder, priming quills, and percussion caps possessed and lawfully used to fire a cannon of a type defined in division (L)(3)(K)(3) of this section during displays, celebrations, organized matches or shoots, and target practice, and smokeless and black powder, primers, and percussion caps possessed and lawfully used as a propellant or ignition device in small-arms or small-arms ammunition;

(5) Dangerous ordnance that is inoperable or inert and cannot readily be rendered operable or activated, and that is kept as a trophy, souvenir, curio, or museum piece;

(6) Any device that is expressly excepted from the definition of a destructive device pursuant to the "Gun Control Act of 1968," 82 Stat. 1213, 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(4), as amended, and regulations issued under that act;

(7) Any firearm with an overall length of at least twenty-six inches that is approved for sale by the federal bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives under the "Gun Control Act of 1968," 82 Stat. 1213, 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3), but that is found by the bureau not to be regulated under the "National Firearms Act," 68A Stat. 725 (1934), 26 U.S.C. 5845(a).

(M)(L) "Explosive" means any chemical compound, mixture, or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion. "Explosive" includes all materials that have been classified as division 1.1, division 1.2, division 1.3, or division 1.4 explosives by the United States department of transportation in its regulations and includes, but is not limited to, dynamite, black powder, pellet powders, initiating explosives, blasting caps, electric blasting caps, safety fuses, fuse igniters, squibs, cordeau detonant fuses, instantaneous fuses, and igniter cords and igniters. "Explosive" does not include "fireworks," as defined in section 3743.01 of the Revised Code, or any substance or material otherwise meeting the definition of explosive set forth in this section that is manufactured, sold, possessed, transported, stored, or used in any activity described in section 3743.80 of the Revised Code, provided the activity is conducted in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including, but not limited to, the provisions of section 3743.80 of the Revised Code and the rules of the fire marshal adopted pursuant to section 3737.82 of the Revised Code.

(N)(1)(M)(1) "Concealed handgun weapons license" or "license to carry a concealed handgun weapon" means, subject to division (N)(2)(M)(2) of this section, a any of the following:

(a) A license or temporary emergency license to carry a concealed handgun issued on or after the effective date of this amendment under section 2923.125 or 2923.1213 of the Revised Code or a that authorizes the person to whom it is issued to carry a concealed deadly weapon other than an exclusive deadly weapon;

(b) A license or temporary emergency license to carry a concealed weapon issued prior to the effective date of this amendment under section 2923.125 or 2923.1213 of the Revised Code as those sections existed prior to that date that, when issued, authorized the person to whom it was issued to carry a concealed handgun and that, on and after the effective date of this amendment, authorizes the person to whom it was issued to carry a concealed deadly weapon other than an exclusive deadly weapon;

(c) A license to carry a concealed handgun issued by another state with which the attorney general has entered into a reciprocity agreement under section 109.69 of the Revised Code that authorizes the person to whom it is issued to carry a concealed handgun, concealed firearm, or concealed deadly weapon.

(2) A reference in any provision of the Revised Code to a concealed handgun weapons license issued under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code or a license to carry a concealed handgun weapon issued under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code means only a license of the type that is specified in that section or a license of the type described in division (M)(1)(b) of this section issued under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to the effective date of this amendment. A

A reference in any provision of the Revised Code to a concealed handgun weapons license issued under section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code, a license to carry a concealed handgun weapon issued under section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code, or a license to carry a concealed handgun weapon on a temporary emergency basis means only a license of the type that is specified in that section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code or a license of the type described in division (M)(1)(b) of this section issued under section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to the effective date of this amendment. A

A reference in any provision of the Revised Code to a concealed handgun license issued by another state or a license to carry a concealed handgun issued by another state that authorizes the carrying of concealed handguns, firearms, or deadly weapons means only a license issued by another state with which the attorney general has entered into a reciprocity agreement under section 109.69 of the Revised Code.

(O)(N) "Valid concealed handgun weapons license" or "valid license to carry a concealed handgun weapon" means a any of the following:

(1) A concealed handgun weapons license of the type described in division (M)(1)(a) or (c) of this section that is currently valid, that is not under a suspension under division (A)(1) of section 2923.128 of the Revised Code, under section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code, or under a suspension provision of the state other than this state in which the license was issued, and that has not been revoked under division (B)(1) of section 2923.128 of the Revised Code, under section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code, or under a revocation provision of the state other than this state in which the license was issued;

(2) A concealed weapons license of the type described in division (M)(1)(b) of this section that is currently valid, that is not under a suspension of any type described in division (N)(1) of this section, and that has not been revoked in any manner described in division (N)(1) of this section.

(P)(O) "Misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" does not include any of the following:

(1) Any federal or state offense pertaining to antitrust violations, unfair trade practices, restraints of trade, or other similar offenses relating to the regulation of business practices;

(2) Any misdemeanor offense punishable by a term of imprisonment of two years or less.

(Q)(P) "Alien registration number" means the number issued by the United States citizenship and immigration services agency that is located on the alien's permanent resident card and may also be commonly referred to as the "USCIS number" or the "alien number."

(R)(Q) "Active duty" has the same meaning as defined in 10 U.S.C. 101.

Sec. 2923.111. (A) As used in this sectionsections 2923.11 to 2923.25 of the Revised Code:

(1) "Restricted firearm" means a firearm that is dangerous ordnance or that is a firearm that any law of this state prohibits the subject person from possessing, having, or carrying.

(2) "Qualifying adult" means a person who is all of the following:

(a) Twenty-one Eighteen years of age or older;

(b) Not legally prohibited from acquiring, possessing, or receiving a firearm deadly weapon under 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1) to (9) or under section 2923.13 of the Revised Code or any other Revised Code provisionthe law of this state or the United States;

(c) Satisfies all of the criteria listed in divisions (D)(1)(a) to (j), (m), (p), (q), and (s) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Exclusive deadly weapon" means a deadly weapon that is an exclusive firearm or that is a deadly weapon that any law of this state or the United States prohibits the subject person from acquiring, possessing, having, or carrying.

(3) "Exclusive firearm" means a firearm that is dangerous ordnance or that is a firearm that any law of this state or the United States prohibits the subject person from acquiring, possessing, having, or carrying.

(B) Notwithstanding any other Revised Code section to the contrary:

(1) A person who is a qualifying adult shall not be required to obtain a concealed handgun weapons license in order to carry in this state, under authority of division (B)(2) of this section, a concealed handgun deadly weapon that is not a restricted firearm an exclusive deadly weapon.

(2) Regardless of whether the person has been issued a concealed handgun weapons license, subject to the limitations specified in divisions (B)(3) and (C)(2) of this section, a person who is a qualifying adult may carry a concealed handgun on the person's person or concealed ready at hand a deadly weapon that is not a restricted firearm an exclusive deadly weapon anywhere in this state in which a person who has been issued a concealed handgun weapons license may carry a concealed handgundeadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon.

(3) The right of a person who is a qualifying adult to carry a concealed handgun deadly weapon that is not a restricted firearm an exclusive deadly weapon that is granted under divisions (B)(1) and (2) of this section is the same right as is granted to a person who has been issued a concealed handgun weapons license, and a qualifying adult who is granted the right is subject to the same restrictions as apply to a person who has been issued a concealed handgun weapons license.

(C)(1) For purposes of any provision of section 1547.69, 2923.12, or 2923.124 to 2923.1213 of the Revised Code, or of any other section of the Revised Code, that refers to a concealed handgun weapons license or a concealed handgun weapons licensee, except when the context clearly indicates otherwise, all of the following apply:

(a) A person who is a qualifying adult and is carrying or has, concealed on the person's person or ready at hand, a handgun deadly weapon that is not a restricted firearm an exclusive deadly weapon shall be deemed to have been issued a valid concealed handgun weapons license.

(b) If the provision refers to a person having been issued a concealed handgun weapons license or having been issued a concealed handgun weapons license that is valid at a particular point in time, the provision shall be construed as automatically including a person who is a qualifying adult and who is carrying or has, concealed on the person's person or ready at hand, a handgun deadly weapon that is not a restricted firearm an exclusive deadly weapon, as if the person had been issued a concealed handgun weapons license or had been issued a concealed handgun weapons license that is valid at the particular point in time.

(c) If the provision in specified circumstances requires a concealed handgun weapons licensee to engage in specified conduct, or prohibits a concealed handgun weapons licensee from engaging in specified conduct, the provision shall be construed as applying in the same circumstances to a person who is a qualifying adult in the same manner as if the person was a concealed handgun weapons licensee.

(d) If the application of the provision to a person depends on whether the person is or is not a concealed handgun weapons licensee, the provision shall be applied to a person who is a qualifying adult in the same manner as if the person was a concealed handgun weapons licensee.

(e) If the provision pertains to the imposition of a penalty or sanction for specified conduct and the penalty or sanction applicable to a person who engages in the conduct depends on whether the person is or is not a concealed handgun weapons licensee, the provision shall be applied to a person who is a qualifying adult in the same manner as if the person was a concealed handgun weapons licensee.

(2) The concealed handgun weapons license expiration provisions of sections 2923.125 and 2923.1213 of the Revised Code, and the concealed handgun weapons license suspension and revocation provisions of section 2923.128 of the Revised Code, do not apply with respect to a person who is a qualifying adult unless the person has been issued a concealed handgun weapons license. If a person is a qualifying adult and the person thereafter comes within any category of persons specified in 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1) to (9) or in section 2923.13 of the Revised Code or any other Revised Code provision so that the person as a result is legally prohibited under the applicable provision from possessing or receiving a firearm deadly weapon, both of the following apply automatically and immediately upon the person coming within that category:

(a) Division (B) of this section and the authority and right to carry a concealed handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon that are is described in that division do not apply to the person.

(b) The person no longer is deemed to have been issued a concealed handgun weapons license as described in division (C)(1)(a) of this section, and the provisions of divisions (C)(1)(a) to (e) of this section no longer apply to the person in the same manner as if the person had been issued, possessed, or produced a valid concealed handgun weapons license or was a concealed handgun weapons licensee.

Sec. 2923.12. (A) No person shall knowingly carry or have, concealed on the person's person or concealed ready at hand, any of the following:

(1) A deadly weapon other than a handgun;

(2) A handgun other than a dangerous ordnance;

(3) A dangerous ordnance.

(B) No person who has been issued a concealed handgun weapons license shall do any of the following:

(1) If the person is stopped for a law enforcement purpose and is carrying a concealed handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon, before or at the time a law enforcement officer asks if the person is carrying a concealed handgun deadly weapon, knowingly fail to disclose that the person then is carrying a concealed handgun deadly weapon, provided that it is not a violation of this division if the person fails to disclose that fact to an officer during the stop and the person already has notified another officer of that fact during the same stop;

(2) If the person is stopped for a law enforcement purpose and is carrying a concealed handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon, knowingly fail to keep the person's hands in plain sight at any time after any law enforcement officer begins approaching the person while stopped and before the law enforcement officer leaves, unless the failure is pursuant to and in accordance with directions given by a law enforcement officer;

(3) If the person is stopped for a law enforcement purpose, if the person is carrying a concealed handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon and that is a loaded firearm, and if the person is approached by any law enforcement officer while stopped, knowingly remove or attempt to remove the loaded handgun firearm from the holster, pocket, or other place in which the person is carrying it, knowingly grasp or hold the loaded handgun firearm, or knowingly have contact with the loaded handgun firearm by touching it with the person's hands or fingers at any time after the law enforcement officer begins approaching and before the law enforcement officer leaves, unless the person removes, attempts to remove, grasps, holds, or has contact with the loaded handgun firearm pursuant to and in accordance with directions given by the law enforcement officer;

(4) If the person is stopped for a law enforcement purpose and is carrying a concealed handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon, knowingly disregard or fail to comply with any lawful order of any law enforcement officer given while the person is stopped, including, but not limited to, a specific order to the person to keep the person's hands in plain sight.

(C)(1) This section does not apply to any of the following:

(a) An officer, agent, or employee of this or any other state or the United States, or to a law enforcement officer, who is authorized to carry concealed weapons or dangerous ordnance or is authorized to carry handguns firearms or other deadly weapons and is acting within the scope of the officer's, agent's, or employee's duties;

(b) Any person who is employed in this state, who is authorized to carry concealed weapons or dangerous ordnance or is authorized to carry handguns firearms or other deadly weapons, and who is subject to and in compliance with the requirements of section 109.801 of the Revised Code, unless the appointing authority of the person has expressly specified that the exemption provided in division (C)(1)(b) of this section does not apply to the person;

(c) A person's transportation or storage of a firearm deadly weapon, other than a firearm described in divisions (G)(F) to (M)(L) of section 2923.11 of the Revised Code, in a motor vehicle for any lawful purpose if the firearm is not on the actor's person;

(d) A person's storage or possession of a firearm deadly weapon, other than a firearm described in divisions (G)(F) to (M)(L) of section 2923.11 of the Revised Code, in the actor's own home for any lawful purpose.

(2) Division (A)(2) (2)(a) Divisions (A)(1) and (2) of this section does do not apply to any person who carries or possesses a deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon if, at the time of the alleged carrying or possession of a deadly weapon, either of the following applies:

(i) The person has been issued a concealed handgun weapons license that is valid at the time of the alleged carrying or possession of a handgun or who, at the time of the alleged carrying or possession of a handgun, deadly weapon;

(ii) The person is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States and is carrying has been issued a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in division (G)(1) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code, unless that are valid at the time of the alleged carrying or possession of a deadly weapon.

(b) The exemptions specified in division (C)(2)(a) of this section do not apply to a person if, at the time of the alleged carrying or possession of a deadly weapon, the person knowingly is in a place described in division (B) of section 2923.126 of the Revised Code.

(D) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under division (A)(1) of this section of carrying or having control of a deadly weapon other than a handgun and other than a dangerous ordnance that the actor was not otherwise prohibited by law from having the deadly weapon and that any of the following applies:

(1) The deadly weapon was carried or kept ready at hand by the actor for defensive purposes while the actor was engaged in or was going to or from the actor's lawful business or occupation, which business or occupation was of a character or was necessarily carried on in a manner or at a time or place as to render the actor particularly susceptible to criminal attack, such as would justify a prudent person in going armed.

(2) The deadly weapon was carried or kept ready at hand by the actor for defensive purposes while the actor was engaged in a lawful activity and had reasonable cause to fear a criminal attack upon the actor, a member of the actor's family, or the actor's home, such as would justify a prudent person in going armed.

(3) The deadly weapon was carried or kept ready at hand by the actor for any lawful purpose and while in the actor's own home.

(E)(1) No person who is charged with a violation of this section shall be required to obtain a concealed handgun weapons license as a condition for the dismissal of the charge.

(2) If a person is convicted of, was convicted of, pleads guilty to, or has pleaded guilty to a violation of division (B)(1) of this section as it existed prior to June 13, 2022, the person may file an application under section 2953.35 of the Revised Code requesting the expungement of the record of conviction.

(F)(1) Whoever violates this section is guilty of carrying concealed weapons.

(2)(a) Except as otherwise provided in this division or divisions (F)(2), (6), and (7) (F)(2)(b), (c), and (d) of this section, carrying concealed weapons in violation of division (A) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in divisions (F)(2)(c) and (d) of this section, if the offender is a concealed weapons licensee and has been issued a concealed weapons license that is valid at the time of the violation, is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States and has been issued a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in division (G)(1) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code that are valid at the time of the violation, or is a qualifying adult, but is knowingly in a place described in division (B) of section 2923.126 of the Revised Code, carrying concealed deadly weapons in violation of division (A)(1) or (2) of this section is a minor misdemeanor.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this division or divisions (F)(2), (6), and (7) or division (F)(2)(d) of this section, if the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of this section or of any offense of violence, if the weapon involved is a firearm that is either loaded or for which the offender has ammunition ready at hand, or if the weapon involved is dangerous ordnance, carrying concealed weapons in violation of division (A) of this section is a felony of the fourth degree.

Except as otherwise provided in divisions (F)(2) and (6) of this section, if (d) If the offense is committed aboard an aircraft, or with purpose to carry a concealed weapon aboard an aircraft, regardless of the weapon involved, carrying concealed weapons in violation of division (A) of this section is a felony of the third degree.

(2) A person shall not be arrested for a violation of division (A)(2) of this section solely because the person does not promptly produce a valid concealed handgun license. If a person is arrested for a violation of division (A)(2) of this section and is convicted of or pleads guilty to the violation, the offender shall be punished as follows:

(a) The offender shall be guilty of a minor misdemeanor if both of the following apply:

(i) Within ten days after the arrest, the offender presents a concealed handgun license, which license was valid at the time of the arrest, to the law enforcement agency that employs the arresting officer.

(ii) At the time of the arrest, the offender was not knowingly in a place described in division (B) of section 2923.126 of the Revised Code.

(b) The offender shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined five hundred dollars if all of the following apply:

(i) The offender previously had been issued a concealed handgun license, and that license expired within the two years immediately preceding the arrest.

(ii) Within forty-five days after the arrest, the offender presents a concealed handgun license to the law enforcement agency that employed the arresting officer, and the offender waives in writing the offender's right to a speedy trial on the charge of the violation that is provided in section 2945.71 of the Revised Code.

(iii) At the time of the commission of the offense, the offender was not knowingly in a place described in division (B) of section 2923.126 of the Revised Code.

(c) If divisions (F)(2)(a) and (b) and (F)(6) of this section do not apply, the offender shall be punished under division (F)(1) or (7) of this section.

(3) Carrying concealed weapons in violation of division (B)(1) of this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(4) Carrying concealed weapons in violation of division (B)(2) or (4) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree or, if the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of division (B)(2) or (4) of this section, a felony of the fifth degree. In addition to any other penalty or sanction imposed for a misdemeanor violation of division (B)(2) or (4) of this section if the offender has been issued a concealed weapons license, the offender's concealed handgun license shall be suspended pursuant to division (A)(2) of section 2923.128 of the Revised Code.

(5) Carrying concealed weapons in violation of division (B)(3) of this section is a felony of the fifth degree.

(6) If a person being arrested for a violation of division (A)(2) of this section is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States and is carrying a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in division (G)(1) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code, and if at the time of the violation the person was not knowingly in a place described in division (B) of section 2923.126 of the Revised Code, the officer shall not arrest the person for a violation of that division. If the person is not able to promptly produce a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in division (G)(1) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code and if the person is not in a place described in division (B) of section 2923.126 of the Revised Code, the officer shall issue a citation and the offender shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more than five hundred dollars. The citation shall be automatically dismissed and the civil penalty shall not be assessed if both of the following apply:

(a) Within ten days after the issuance of the citation, the offender presents a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in division (G)(1) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code, which were both valid at the time of the issuance of the citation to the law enforcement agency that employs the citing officer.

(b) At the time of the citation, the offender was not knowingly in a place described in division (B) of section 2923.126 of the Revised Code.

(7) If a person being arrested for a violation of division (A)(2) of this section is knowingly in a place described in division (B)(5) of section 2923.126 of the Revised Code and is not authorized to carry a handgun or have a handgun concealed on the person's person or concealed ready at hand under that division, the penalty shall be as follows:

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this division, if the person produces a valid concealed handgun license within ten days after the arrest and has not previously been convicted or pleaded guilty to a violation of division (A)(2) of this section, the person is guilty of a minor misdemeanor;

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this division, if the person has previously been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of division (A)(2) of this section, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree;

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this division, if the person has previously been convicted of or pleaded guilty to two violations of division (A)(2) of this section, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree;

(d) Except as otherwise provided in this division, if the person has previously been convicted of or pleaded guilty to three or more violations of division (A)(2) of this section, or convicted of or pleaded guilty to any offense of violence, if the weapon involved is a firearm that is either loaded or for which the offender has ammunition ready at hand, or if the weapon involved is a dangerous ordnance, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.

(G) If a law enforcement officer stops a person to question the person regarding a possible violation of this section, for a traffic stop, or for any other law enforcement purpose, if the person surrenders a firearm deadly weapon to the officer, either voluntarily or pursuant to a request or demand of the officer, and if the officer does not charge the person with a violation of this section or arrest the person for any offense, the person is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearm deadly weapon, and the firearm deadly weapon is not contraband, the officer shall return the firearm deadly weapon to the person at the termination of the stop. If a court orders a law enforcement officer to return a firearm deadly weapon to a person pursuant to the requirement set forth in this division, division (B) of section 2923.163 of the Revised Code applies.

(H) For purposes of this section, "deadly weapon" or "weapon" does not include any knife, razor, or cutting instrument if the instrument was not used as a weapon.

Sec. 2923.121. (A) No person shall possess a firearm in any room in which any person is consuming beer or intoxicating liquor in a premises for which a D permit has been issued under Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code or in an open air arena for which a permit of that nature has been issued.

(B)(1) This section does not apply to any of the following:

(a) An officer, agent, or employee of this or any other state or the United States, or a law enforcement officer, who is authorized to carry firearms and is acting within the scope of the officer's, agent's, or employee's duties;

(b) A law enforcement officer or investigator who is authorized to carry firearms but is not acting within the scope of the officer's or investigator's duties, as long as all of the following apply:

(i) The officer or investigator is carrying validating identification.

(ii) If the firearm the officer or investigator possesses is a firearm issued or approved by the law enforcement agency served by the officer or by the bureau of criminal identification and investigation with respect to an investigator, the agency or bureau does not have a restrictive firearms carrying policy.

(iii) The officer or investigator is not consuming beer or intoxicating liquor and is not under the influence of alcohol or a drug of abuse.

(c) Any room used for the accommodation of guests of a hotel, as defined in section 4301.01 of the Revised Code;

(d) The principal holder of a D permit issued for a premises or an open air arena under Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code while in the premises or open air arena for which the permit was issued if the principal either of the following applies:

(i) The holder of the D permit also has been issued a concealed handgun weapons license that is valid at the time in question and of the possession, as long as the principal firearm is not an exclusive firearm and the holder is not consuming beer or intoxicating liquor or under the influence of alcohol or a drug of abuse, or any .

(ii) The holder is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States and has been issued a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in division (G)(1) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code that are valid at the time of the possession, as long as the firearm is not an exclusive firearm and the holder is not consuming beer or intoxicating liquor or under the influence of alcohol or a drug of abuse.

(e) An agent or employee of that the principal holder who of a D permit issued for a premises or open air arena under Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code if the agent or employee also is a peace officer, as defined in section 2151.3515 of the Revised Code, who is off duty, and who otherwise is authorized to carry firearms while in the course of the officer's official duties and while in the premises or open air arena for which the permit was issued and as long as the firearm is not an exclusive firearm and the agent or employee of that holder is not consuming beer or intoxicating liquor or under the influence of alcohol or a drug of abuse.

(e) (f) Any person who has been issued a concealed handgun weapons license that is valid at the time in question of the possession or any person who is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States and is carrying has been issued a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in division (G)(1) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code that are valid at the time of the possession, as long as the firearm is not an exclusive firearm and the person is not consuming beer or intoxicating liquor or under the influence of alcohol or a drug of abuse.

(2) This section does not prohibit any person who is a member of a veteran's organization, as defined in section 2915.01 of the Revised Code, from possessing a rifle in any room in any premises owned, leased, or otherwise under the control of the veteran's organization, if the rifle is not loaded with live ammunition and if the person otherwise is not prohibited by law from having the rifle.

(3) This section does not apply to any person possessing or displaying firearms in any room used to exhibit unloaded firearms for sale or trade in a soldiers' memorial established pursuant to Chapter 345. of the Revised Code, in a convention center, or in any other public meeting place, if the person is an exhibitor, trader, purchaser, or seller of firearms and is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing, trading, purchasing, or selling the firearms.

(C) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under this section of illegal possession of a firearm in a liquor permit premises that involves the possession of a firearm other than a handgun, that the actor was not otherwise prohibited by law from having the firearm, and that any of the following apply:

(1) The firearm was carried or kept ready at hand by the actor for defensive purposes, while the actor was engaged in or was going to or from the actor's lawful business or occupation, which business or occupation was of such character or was necessarily carried on in such manner or at such a time or place as to render the actor particularly susceptible to criminal attack, such as would justify a prudent person in going armed.

(2) The firearm was carried or kept ready at hand by the actor for defensive purposes, while the actor was engaged in a lawful activity, and had reasonable cause to fear a criminal attack upon the actor or a member of the actor's family, or upon the actor's home, such as would justify a prudent person in going armed.

(D) No person who is charged with a violation of this section shall be required to obtain a concealed handgun weapons license as a condition for the dismissal of the charge.

(E) Whoever violates this section is guilty of illegal possession of a firearm in a liquor permit premises. Except as otherwise provided in this division, illegal possession of a firearm in a liquor permit premises is a felony of the fifth degree. If the offender commits the violation of this section by knowingly carrying or having the firearm concealed on the offender's person or concealed ready at hand, illegal possession of a firearm in a liquor permit premises is a felony of the third degree.

(F) As used in this section:

(1) "Beer" and "intoxicating liquor" have the same meanings as in section 4301.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Investigator" has the same meaning as in section 109.541 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Restrictive firearms carrying policy" means a specific policy of a law enforcement agency or the bureau of criminal identification and investigation that prohibits all officers of the agency or all investigators of the bureau, while not acting within the scope of the officer's or investigator's duties, from doing either of the following:

(a) Carrying a firearm issued or approved by the agency or bureau in any room, premises, or arena described in division (A) of this section;

(b) Carrying a firearm issued or approved by the agency or bureau in premises described in division (A) of section 2923.1214 of the Revised Code.

(4) "Law enforcement officer" has the same meaning as in section 9.69 of the Revised Code.

(5) "Validating identification" means one of the following:

(a) Photographic identification issued by the law enforcement agency for which an individual serves as a law enforcement officer that identifies the individual as a law enforcement officer of the agency;

(b) Photographic identification issued by the bureau of criminal identification and investigation that identifies an individual as an investigator of the bureau.

Sec. 2923.122. (A) No person shall knowingly convey, or attempt to convey, a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance into a school safety zone.

(B) No person shall knowingly possess a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance in a school safety zone.

(C) No person shall knowingly possess an object in a school safety zone if both of the following apply:

(1) The object is indistinguishable from a firearm, whether or not the object is capable of being fired.

(2) The person indicates that the person possesses the object and that it is a firearm, or the person knowingly displays or brandishes the object and indicates that it is a firearm.

(D)(1) This section does not apply to any of the following:

(a) An officer, agent, or employee of this or any other state or the United States who is authorized to carry deadly weapons or dangerous ordnance and is acting within the scope of the officer's, agent's, or employee's duties;

(b) A law enforcement officer who is authorized to carry deadly weapons or dangerous ordnance;

(c) A security officer employed by a board of education or governing body of a school during the time that the security officer is on duty pursuant to that contract of employment;

(d) Any person not described in divisions (D)(1)(a) to (c) of this section who has written authorization from the board of education or governing body of a school to convey deadly weapons or dangerous ordnance into a school safety zone or to possess a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance in a school safety zone and who conveys or possesses the deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance in accordance with that authorization, provided both of the following apply:

(i) Either the person has successfully completed the curriculum, instruction, and training established under section 5502.703 of the Revised Code, or the person has received a certificate of having satisfactorily completed an approved basic peace officer training program or is a law enforcement officer;

(ii) The board or governing body has notified the public, by whatever means the affected school regularly communicates with the public, that the board or governing body has authorized one or more persons to go armed within a school operated by the board or governing authority.

A district board or school governing body that authorizes a person under division (D)(1)(d) of this section shall require that person to submit to an annual criminal records check conducted in the same manner as section 3319.39 or 3319.391 of the Revised Code.

(e) Any person who is employed in this state, who is authorized to carry deadly weapons or dangerous ordnance, and who is subject to and in compliance with the requirements of section 109.801 of the Revised Code, unless the appointing authority of the person has expressly specified that the exemption provided in division (D)(1)(e) of this section does not apply to the person.

(2) Division (C) of this section does not apply to premises upon which home schooling is conducted. Division (C) of this section also does not apply to a school administrator, teacher, or employee who possesses an object that is indistinguishable from a firearm for legitimate school purposes during the course of employment, a student who uses an object that is indistinguishable from a firearm under the direction of a school administrator, teacher, or employee, or any other person who with the express prior approval of a school administrator possesses an object that is indistinguishable from a firearm for a legitimate purpose, including the use of the object in a ceremonial activity, a play, reenactment, or other dramatic presentation, school safety training, or a ROTC activity or another similar use of the object.

(3) This section does not apply to a person who conveys or attempts to convey a handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon into, or possesses a handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon in, a school safety zone if, at the time of that conveyance, attempted conveyance, or possession of the handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon, all of the following apply:

(a) The person does not enter into a school building or onto school premises and is not at a school activity.

(b) The person has been issued a concealed handgun weapons license that is valid at the time of the conveyance, attempted conveyance, or possession or the person is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States and is carrying has been issued a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in division (G)(1) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code that are valid at the time of the conveyance, attempted conveyance, or possession.

(c) The person is in the school safety zone in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 922(q)(2)(B).

(d) The person is not knowingly in a place described in division (B)(1) or (B)(3) to (8) of section 2923.126 of the Revised Code.

(4) This section does not apply to a person who conveys or attempts to convey a handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon into, or possesses a handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon in, a school safety zone if at the time of that conveyance, attempted conveyance, or possession of the handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon all of the following apply:

(a) The person has been issued a concealed handgun weapons license that is valid at the time of the conveyance, attempted conveyance, or possession or the person is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States and is carrying has been issued a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in division (G)(1) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code that are valid at the time of the conveyance, attempted conveyance, or possession.

(b) The person leaves the handgun deadly weapon in a motor vehicle.

(c) The handgun deadly weapon does not leave the motor vehicle.

(d) If the person exits the motor vehicle, the person locks the motor vehicle.

(E)(1) Whoever violates division (A) or (B) of this section is guilty of illegal conveyance or possession of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance in a school safety zone. Except as otherwise provided in this division, illegal conveyance or possession of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance in a school safety zone is a felony of the fifth degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of this section, illegal conveyance or possession of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance in a school safety zone is a felony of the fourth degree.

(2) Whoever violates division (C) of this section is guilty of illegal possession of an object indistinguishable from a firearm in a school safety zone. Except as otherwise provided in this division, illegal possession of an object indistinguishable from a firearm in a school safety zone is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of this section, illegal possession of an object indistinguishable from a firearm in a school safety zone is a felony of the fifth degree.

(F)(1) In addition to any other penalty imposed upon a person who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of this section and subject to division (F)(2) of this section, if the offender has not attained nineteen years of age, regardless of whether the offender is attending or is enrolled in a school operated by a board of education or for which the director of education and workforce prescribes minimum standards under section 3301.07 of the Revised Code, the court shall impose upon the offender a class four suspension of the offender's probationary driver's license, restricted license, driver's license, commercial driver's license, temporary instruction permit, or probationary commercial driver's license that then is in effect from the range specified in division (A)(4) of section 4510.02 of the Revised Code and shall deny the offender the issuance of any permit or license of that type during the period of the suspension.

If the offender is not a resident of this state, the court shall impose a class four suspension of the nonresident operating privilege of the offender from the range specified in division (A)(4) of section 4510.02 of the Revised Code.

(2) If the offender shows good cause why the court should not suspend one of the types of licenses, permits, or privileges specified in division (F)(1) of this section or deny the issuance of one of the temporary instruction permits specified in that division, the court in its discretion may choose not to impose the suspension, revocation, or denial required in that division, but the court, in its discretion, instead may require the offender to perform community service for a number of hours determined by the court.

(G) As used in this section, "object that is indistinguishable from a firearm" means an object made, constructed, or altered so that, to a reasonable person without specialized training in firearms, the object appears to be a firearm.

Sec. 2923.123. (A) No person shall knowingly convey or attempt to convey a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance into a courthouse or into another building or structure in which a courtroom is located.

(B) No person shall knowingly possess or have under the person's control a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance in a courthouse or in another building or structure in which a courtroom is located.

(C) This section does not apply to any of the following:

(1) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, a judge of a court of record of this state or a magistrate;

(2) A peace officer, officer of a law enforcement agency, or person who is in either of the following categories:

(a) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, a peace officer, or an officer of a law enforcement agency of another state, a political subdivision of another state, or the United States, who is authorized to carry a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance, who possesses or has under that individual's control a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance as a requirement of that individual's duties, and who is acting within the scope of that individual's duties at the time of that possession or control;

(b) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, a person who is employed in this state, who is authorized to carry a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance, who possesses or has under that individual's control a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance as a requirement of that person's duties, and who is subject to and in compliance with the requirements of section 109.801 of the Revised Code, unless the appointing authority of the person has expressly specified that the exemption provided in division (C)(2)(b) of this section does not apply to the person.

(3) A person who conveys, attempts to convey, possesses, or has under the person's control a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance that is to be used as evidence in a pending criminal or civil action or proceeding;

(4) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, a bailiff or deputy bailiff of a court of record of this state who is authorized to carry a firearm pursuant to section 109.77 of the Revised Code, who possesses or has under that individual's control a firearm as a requirement of that individual's duties, and who is acting within the scope of that individual's duties at the time of that possession or control;

(5) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, a prosecutor, or a secret service officer appointed by a county prosecuting attorney, who is authorized to carry a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance in the performance of the individual's duties, who possesses or has under that individual's control a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance as a requirement of that individual's duties, and who is acting within the scope of that individual's duties at the time of that possession or control;

(6) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, a person who conveys or attempts to convey a handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon into a courthouse or into another building or structure in which a courtroom is located, if the person and who, at the time of the conveyance or attempt, has been issued a concealed handgun weapons license that is valid at the time of the conveyance or attempt or, at the time of the conveyance or attempt, the person is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States and is carrying has been issued a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in division (G)(1) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code that are valid at the time of the conveyance or attempt, and if in either case the person transfers possession of the handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon to the officer or officer's designee who has charge of the courthouse or building. The officer shall secure the handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon until the licensee person is prepared to leave the premises. The exemption described in this division applies only if the officer who has charge of the courthouse or building provides services of the nature described in this division. An officer who has charge of the courthouse or building is not required to offer services of the nature described in this division.

(D)(1) Whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of illegal conveyance of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance into a courthouse. Except as otherwise provided in this division, illegal conveyance of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance into a courthouse is a felony of the fifth degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of division (A) or (B) of this section, illegal conveyance of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance into a courthouse is a felony of the fourth degree.

(2) Whoever violates division (B) of this section is guilty of illegal possession or control of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance in a courthouse. Except as otherwise provided in this division, illegal possession or control of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance in a courthouse is a felony of the fifth degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of division (A) or (B) of this section, illegal possession or control of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance in a courthouse is a felony of the fourth degree.

(E) The exemptions described in divisions (C)(1), (2)(a), (2)(b), (4), (5), and (6) of this section do not apply to any judge, magistrate, peace officer, officer of a law enforcement agency, bailiff, deputy bailiff, prosecutor, secret service officer, or other person described in any of those divisions if a rule of superintendence or another type of rule adopted by the supreme court pursuant to Article IV, Ohio Constitution, or an applicable local rule of court prohibits all persons from conveying or attempting to convey a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance into a courthouse or into another building or structure in which a courtroom is located or from possessing or having under one's control a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance in a courthouse or in another building or structure in which a courtroom is located.

(F) As used in this section:

(1) "Magistrate" means an individual who is appointed by a court of record of this state and who has the powers and may perform the functions specified in Civil Rule 53, Criminal Rule 19, or Juvenile Rule 40.

(2) "Peace officer" and "prosecutor" have the same meanings as in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 2923.124. As used in sections 2923.124 to 2923.1213 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Application form" means the application form prescribed pursuant to division (A)(1) of section 109.731 of the Revised Code and includes a copy of that form.

(B) "Competency certification" and "competency certificate" mean a document of the type described in division (B)(3) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code.

(C) "Detention facility" has the same meaning as in section 2921.01 of the Revised Code.

(D) "Licensee" means a person to whom a concealed handgun weapons license has been issued under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code prior to, on, or after the effective date of this amendment and, except when the context clearly indicates otherwise, includes a person to whom a concealed handgun weapons license on a temporary emergency basis has been issued under section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code and prior to, on, or after the effective date of this amendment, and a person to whom a concealed handgun weapons license has been issued by another state.

(E) "License fee" or "license renewal fee" means the fee for a concealed handgun weapons license or the fee to renew that license that is to be paid by an applicant for a license of that type.

(F) "Peace officer" has the same meaning as in section 2935.01 of the Revised Code.

(G) "State correctional institution" has the same meaning as in section 2967.01 of the Revised Code.

(H) "Civil protection order" means a protection order issued, or consent agreement approved, under section 2903.214 or 3113.31 of the Revised Code.

(I) "Temporary protection order" means a protection order issued under section 2903.213 or 2919.26 of the Revised Code.

(J) "Protection order issued by a court of another state" has the same meaning as in section 2919.27 of the Revised Code.

(K) "Child care center," "type A family child care home" and "type B family child care home" have the same meanings as in section 5104.01 of the Revised Code.

(L) "Foreign air transportation," "interstate air transportation," and "intrastate air transportation" have the same meanings as in 49 U.S.C. 40102, as now or hereafter amended.

(M) "Commercial motor vehicle" has the same meaning as in division (A) of section 4506.25 of the Revised Code.

(N) "Motor carrier enforcement unit" has the same meaning as in section 2923.16 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 2923.125. (A)(1) It is the intent of the general assembly that Ohio concealed handgun weapons license law be compliant with the national instant criminal background check system, that the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives is able to determine that Ohio law is compliant with the national instant criminal background check system, and that no person shall be eligible to receive a concealed handgun weapons license permit under section 2923.125 or 2923.1213 of the Revised Code unless the person is eligible lawfully to receive or possess a firearm in the United States.

(A)(2) This section applies with respect to the application for and issuance by this state of concealed handgun weapons licenses other than concealed handgun weapons licenses on a temporary emergency basis that are issued under section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code. Upon the request of a person who wishes to obtain a concealed handgun weapons license with respect to which this section applies or to renew a concealed handgun weapons license with respect to which this section applies, a sheriff, as provided in division (I) of this section, shall provide to the person free of charge an application form and the web site address at which a printable version of the application form that can be downloaded and the pamphlet described in division (B) of section 109.731 of the Revised Code may be found. A sheriff shall accept a completed application form and the fee, items, materials, and information specified in divisions (B)(1) to (5) of this section at the times and in the manners described in division (I) of this section.

(B) An applicant for a concealed handgun weapons license who is a resident of this state shall submit a completed application form and all of the material and information described in divisions (B)(1) to (6) of this section to the sheriff of the county in which the applicant resides or to the sheriff of any county adjacent to the county in which the applicant resides. An applicant for a license who resides in another state shall submit a completed application form and all of the material and information described in divisions (B)(1) to (7) of this section to the sheriff of the county in which the applicant is employed or to the sheriff of any county adjacent to the county in which the applicant is employed:

(1)(a) A nonrefundable license fee as described in either of the following:

(i) For an applicant who has been a resident of this state for five or more years, a fee of sixty-seven dollars;

(ii) For an applicant who has been a resident of this state for less than five years or who is not a resident of this state, but who is employed in this state, a fee of sixty-seven dollars plus the actual cost of having a background check performed by the federal bureau of investigation.

(b) No sheriff shall require an applicant to pay for the cost of a background check performed by the bureau of criminal identification and investigation.

(c) A sheriff shall waive the payment of the license fee described in division (B)(1)(a) of this section in connection with an initial or renewal application for a license that is submitted by an applicant who is an active or reserve member of the armed forces of the United States or has retired from or was honorably discharged from military service in the active or reserve armed forces of the United States, a retired peace officer, a retired person described in division (B)(1)(b) of section 109.77 of the Revised Code, or a retired federal law enforcement officer who, prior to retirement, was authorized under federal law to carry a firearm in the course of duty, unless the retired peace officer, person, or federal law enforcement officer retired as the result of a mental disability.

(d) The sheriff shall deposit all fees paid by an applicant under division (B)(1)(a) of this section into the sheriff's concealed handgun weapons license issuance fund established pursuant to section 311.42 of the Revised Code. The county shall distribute the fees in accordance with section 311.42 of the Revised Code.

(2) A color photograph of the applicant that was taken within thirty days prior to the date of the application;

(3) One or more of the following competency certifications, each of which shall reflect that, regarding a certification described in division (B)(3)(a), (b), (c), (e), or (f) of this section, within the three years immediately preceding the application the applicant has performed that to which the competency certification relates and that, regarding a certification described in division (B)(3)(d) of this section, the applicant currently is an active or reserve member of the armed forces of the United States, the applicant has retired from or was honorably discharged from military service in the active or reserve armed forces of the United States, or within the ten years immediately preceding the application the retirement of the peace officer, person described in division (B)(1)(b) of section 109.77 of the Revised Code, or federal law enforcement officer to which the competency certification relates occurred:

(a) An original or photocopy of a certificate of completion of a firearms safety, training, or requalification or firearms safety instructor course, class, or program that was offered by or under the auspices of a national gun advocacy organization and that complies with the requirements set forth in division (G) of this section;

(b) An original or photocopy of a certificate of completion of a firearms safety, training, or requalification or firearms safety instructor course, class, or program that satisfies all of the following criteria:

(i) It was open to members of the general public.

(ii) It utilized qualified instructors who were certified by a national gun advocacy organization, the executive director of the Ohio peace officer training commission pursuant to section 109.75 or 109.78 of the Revised Code, or a governmental official or entity of another state.

(iii) It was offered by or under the auspices of a law enforcement agency of this or another state or the United States, a public or private college, university, or other similar postsecondary educational institution located in this or another state, a firearms training school located in this or another state, or another type of public or private entity or organization located in this or another state.

(iv) It complies with the requirements set forth in division (G) of this section.

(c) An original or photocopy of a certificate of completion of a state, county, municipal, or department of natural resources peace officer training school that is approved by the executive director of the Ohio peace officer training commission pursuant to section 109.75 of the Revised Code and that complies with the requirements set forth in division (G) of this section, or the applicant has satisfactorily completed and been issued a certificate of completion of a basic firearms training program, a firearms requalification training program, or another basic training program described in section 109.78 or 109.801 of the Revised Code that complies with the requirements set forth in division (G) of this section;

(d) A document that evidences both of the following:

(i) That the applicant is an active or reserve member of the armed forces of the United States, has retired from or was honorably discharged from military service in the active or reserve armed forces of the United States, is a retired trooper of the state highway patrol, or is a retired peace officer or federal law enforcement officer described in division (B)(1) of this section or a retired person described in division (B)(1)(b) of section 109.77 of the Revised Code and division (B)(1) of this section;

(ii) That, through participation in the military service or through the former employment described in division (B)(3)(d)(i) of this section, the applicant acquired experience with handling handguns or other firearms, and the experience so acquired was equivalent to training that the applicant could have acquired in a course, class, or program described in division (B)(3)(a), (b), or (c) of this section.

(e) A certificate or another similar document that evidences satisfactory completion of a firearms training, safety, or requalification or firearms safety instructor course, class, or program that is not otherwise described in division (B)(3)(a), (b), (c), or (d) of this section, that was conducted by an instructor who was certified by an official or entity of the government of this or another state or the United States or by a national gun advocacy organization, and that complies with the requirements set forth in division (G) of this section;

(f) An affidavit that attests to the applicant's satisfactory completion of a course, class, or program described in division (B)(3)(a), (b), (c), or (e) of this section and that is subscribed by the applicant's instructor or an authorized representative of the entity that offered the course, class, or program or under whose auspices the course, class, or program was offered;

(g) A document that evidences that the applicant has successfully completed the Ohio peace officer training program described in section 109.79 of the Revised Code.

(4) A certification by the applicant that the applicant has read the pamphlet prepared by the Ohio peace officer training commission pursuant to section 109.731 of the Revised Code that reviews deadly weapons, including firearms, dispute resolution, and use of deadly force matters.

(5) A set of fingerprints of the applicant provided as described in section 311.41 of the Revised Code through use of an electronic fingerprint reading device or, if the sheriff to whom the application is submitted does not possess and does not have ready access to the use of such a reading device, on a standard impression sheet prescribed pursuant to division (C)(2) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code.

(6) If the applicant is not a citizen or national of the United States, the name of the applicant's country of citizenship and the applicant's alien registration number issued by the United States citizenship and immigration services agency.

(7) If the applicant resides in another state, adequate proof of employment in Ohio.

(C) Upon receipt of the completed application form, supporting documentation, and, if not waived, license fee of an applicant under this section, a sheriff, in the manner specified in section 311.41 of the Revised Code, shall conduct or cause to be conducted the criminal records check and the incompetency records check described in section 311.41 of the Revised Code.

(D)(1) Except as provided in division (D)(3) of this section, within forty-five days after a sheriff's receipt of an applicant's completed application form for a concealed handgun weapons license under this section, the supporting documentation, and, if not waived, the license fee, the sheriff shall make available through the law enforcement automated data system in accordance with division (H) of this section the information described in that division and, upon making the information available through the system, shall issue to the applicant a concealed handgun weapons license that shall expire as described in division (D)(2)(a) of this section if all of the following apply:

(a) The applicant is legally living in the United States. For purposes of division (D)(1)(a) of this section, if a person is absent from the United States in compliance with military or naval orders as an active or reserve member of the armed forces of the United States and if prior to leaving the United States the person was legally living in the United States, the person, solely by reason of that absence, shall not be considered to have lost the person's status as living in the United States.

(b) The applicant is at least twenty-one years of age.

(c) The applicant is not a fugitive from justice.

(d) The applicant is not under indictment for or otherwise charged with a felony; an offense under Chapter 2925., 3719., or 4729. of the Revised Code that involves the illegal possession, use, sale, administration, or distribution of or trafficking in a drug of abuse; a misdemeanor offense of violence; or a violation of section 2903.14 or 2923.1211 of the Revised Code.

(e) Except as otherwise provided in division (D)(4) or (5) of this section, the applicant has not been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a felony or an offense under Chapter 2925., 3719., or 4729. of the Revised Code that involves the illegal possession, use, sale, administration, or distribution of or trafficking in a drug of abuse; has not been adjudicated a delinquent child for committing an act that if committed by an adult would be a felony or would be an offense under Chapter 2925., 3719., or 4729. of the Revised Code that involves the illegal possession, use, sale, administration, or distribution of or trafficking in a drug of abuse; has not been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or adjudicated a delinquent child for committing a violation of section 2903.13 of the Revised Code when the victim of the violation is a peace officer, regardless of whether the applicant was sentenced under division (C)(4) of that section; and has not been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or adjudicated a delinquent child for committing any other offense that is not previously described in this division that is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.

(f) Except as otherwise provided in division (D)(4) or (5) of this section, the applicant, within three years of the date of the application, has not been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor offense of violence other than a misdemeanor violation of section 2921.33 of the Revised Code or a violation of section 2903.13 of the Revised Code when the victim of the violation is a peace officer, or a misdemeanor violation of section 2923.1211 of the Revised Code; and has not been adjudicated a delinquent child for committing an act that if committed by an adult would be a misdemeanor offense of violence other than a misdemeanor violation of section 2921.33 of the Revised Code or a violation of section 2903.13 of the Revised Code when the victim of the violation is a peace officer or for committing an act that if committed by an adult would be a misdemeanor violation of section 2923.1211 of the Revised Code.

(g) Except as otherwise provided in division (D)(1)(e) of this section, the applicant, within five years of the date of the application, has not been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or adjudicated a delinquent child for committing two or more violations of section 2903.13 or 2903.14 of the Revised Code.

(h) Except as otherwise provided in division (D)(4) or (5) of this section, the applicant, within ten years of the date of the application, has not been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or adjudicated a delinquent child for committing a violation of section 2921.33 of the Revised Code.

(i) The applicant has not been committed to any mental institution, is not under adjudication of mental incompetence, has not been found by a court to be a person with a mental illness subject to court order, and is not an involuntary patient other than one who is a patient only for purposes of observation. As used in this division, "person with a mental illness subject to court order" and "patient" have the same meanings as in section 5122.01 of the Revised Code.

(j) The applicant is not currently subject to a civil protection order, a temporary protection order, or a protection order issued by a court of another state.

(k) The applicant certifies that the applicant desires a legal means to carry a concealed handgun firearm or other deadly weapon for defense of the applicant or a member of the applicant's family while engaged in lawful activity.

(l) The applicant submits a competency certification of the type described in division (B)(3) of this section and submits a certification of the type described in division (B)(4) of this section regarding the applicant's reading of the pamphlet prepared by the Ohio peace officer training commission pursuant to section 109.731 of the Revised Code.

(m) The applicant currently is not subject to a suspension imposed under division (A)(2) of section 2923.128 of the Revised Code of a concealed handgun weapons license that previously was issued to the applicant under this section or section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code or a similar suspension imposed by another state regarding a concealed handgun weapons license issued by that state.

(n) If the applicant resides in another state, the applicant is employed in this state.

(o) The applicant certifies that the applicant is not an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance as defined in 21 U.S.C. 802.

(p) If the applicant is not a United States citizen, the applicant is an alien and has not been admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa, as defined in the "Immigration and Nationality Act," 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(26).

(q) The applicant has not been discharged from the armed forces of the United States under dishonorable conditions.

(r) The applicant certifies that the applicant has not renounced the applicant's United States citizenship, if applicable.

(s) The applicant has not been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or adjudicated a delinquent child for committing a violation of section 2919.25 of the Revised Code or a similar violation in another state.

(2)(a) A concealed handgun weapons license that a sheriff issues under division (D)(1) of this section prior to, on, or after the effective date of this amendment shall expire five years after the date of issuance. A concealed weapons license that a sheriff issued as a concealed handgun license under that division prior to the effective date of this amendment and that has not expired prior to the effective date of this amendment has the same validity as a concealed weapons license issued on or after that date and shall be treated for purposes of this section and other Revised Code provisions as if it were a license issued on or after that date.

If a sheriff issues a license under this section, the sheriff shall place on the license a unique combination of letters and numbers identifying the license in accordance with the procedure prescribed by the Ohio peace officer training commission pursuant to section 109.731 of the Revised Code.

(b) If a sheriff denies an application under this section because the applicant does not satisfy the criteria described in division (D)(1) of this section, the sheriff shall specify the grounds for the denial in a written notice to the applicant. The applicant may appeal the denial pursuant to section 119.12 of the Revised Code in the county served by the sheriff who denied the application. If the denial was as a result of the criminal records check conducted pursuant to section 311.41 of the Revised Code and if, pursuant to section 2923.127 of the Revised Code, the applicant challenges the criminal records check results using the appropriate challenge and review procedure specified in that section, the time for filing the appeal pursuant to section 119.12 of the Revised Code and this division is tolled during the pendency of the request or the challenge and review.

(c) If the court in an appeal under section 119.12 of the Revised Code and division (D)(2)(b) of this section enters a judgment sustaining the sheriff's refusal to grant to the applicant a concealed handgun weapons license, the applicant may file a new application beginning one year after the judgment is entered. If the court enters a judgment in favor of the applicant, that judgment shall not restrict the authority of a sheriff to suspend or revoke the license pursuant to section 2923.128 or 2923.1213 of the Revised Code or to refuse to renew the license for any proper cause that may occur after the date the judgment is entered. In the appeal, the court shall have full power to dispose of all costs.

(3) If the sheriff with whom an application for a concealed handgun weapons license was filed under this section becomes aware that the applicant has been arrested for or otherwise charged with an offense that would disqualify the applicant from holding the license, the sheriff shall suspend the processing of the application until the disposition of the case arising from the arrest or charge.

(4) If an applicant has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to an offense identified in division (D)(1)(e), (f), or (h) of this section or has been adjudicated a delinquent child for committing an act or violation identified in any of those divisions, and if a court has ordered the sealing or expungement of the records of that conviction, guilty plea, or adjudication pursuant to sections 2151.355 to 2151.358, sections 2953.31 to 2953.35, or section 2953.39 of the Revised Code or the applicant has been relieved under operation of law or legal process from the disability imposed pursuant to section 2923.13 of the Revised Code relative to that conviction, guilty plea, or adjudication, the sheriff with whom the application was submitted shall not consider the conviction, guilty plea, or adjudication in making a determination under division (D)(1) or (F) of this section or, in relation to an application for a concealed handgun weapons license on a temporary emergency basis submitted under section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code, in making a determination under division (B)(2) of that section.

(5) If an applicant has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a minor misdemeanor offense or has been adjudicated a delinquent child for committing an act or violation that is a minor misdemeanor offense, the sheriff with whom the application was submitted shall not consider the conviction, guilty plea, or adjudication in making a determination under division (D)(1) or (F) of this section or, in relation to an application for a concealed handgun weapons license on a temporary basis submitted under section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code, in making a determination under division (B)(2) of that section.

(E) If a concealed handgun weapons license issued under this section is lost or is destroyed, the licensee may obtain from the sheriff who issued that license a duplicate license upon the payment of a fee of fifteen dollars and the submission of an affidavit attesting to the loss or destruction of the license. The sheriff, in accordance with the procedures prescribed in section 109.731 of the Revised Code, shall place on the replacement license a combination of identifying numbers different from the combination on the license that is being replaced.

(F)(1)(a) Except as provided in division (F)(1)(b) of this section, a licensee who wishes to renew a concealed handgun weapons license issued under this section prior to, on, or after the effective date of this amendment may do so at any time before the expiration date of the license or at any time after the expiration date of the license by filing with the any county sheriff of the county in which the applicant resides or with the sheriff of an adjacent county, or in the case of an applicant who resides in another state with the sheriff of the county that issued the applicant's previous concealed handgun weapons license an application for renewal of the license obtained pursuant to division (D) of this section, a certification by the applicant that, subsequent to the issuance of the license, the applicant has reread the pamphlet prepared by the Ohio peace officer training commission pursuant to section 109.731 of the Revised Code that reviews deadly weapons, including firearms, dispute resolution, and use of deadly force matters, and a nonrefundable license renewal fee in an amount determined pursuant to division (F)(4) of this section unless the fee is waived.

(b) A person on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or in service with the peace corps, volunteers in service to America, or the foreign service of the United States is exempt from the license requirements of this section for the period of the person's active duty or service and for six months thereafter, provided the person was a licensee under this section at the time the person commenced the person's active duty or service or had obtained a license while on active duty or service. The spouse or a dependent of any such person on active duty or in service also is exempt from the license requirements of this section for the period of the person's active duty or service and for six months thereafter, provided the spouse or dependent was a licensee under this section at the time the person commenced the active duty or service or had obtained a license while the person was on active duty or service, and provided further that the person's active duty or service resulted in the spouse or dependent relocating outside of this state during the period of the active duty or service. This division does not prevent such a person or the person's spouse or dependent from making an application for the renewal of a concealed handgun weapons license during the period of the person's active duty or service.

(2) A sheriff shall accept a completed renewal application, the license renewal fee, and the information specified in division (F)(1) of this section at the times and in the manners described in division (I) of this section. Upon receipt of a completed renewal application, of certification that the applicant has reread the specified pamphlet prepared by the Ohio peace officer training commission, and of a license renewal fee unless the fee is waived, a sheriff, in the manner specified in section 311.41 of the Revised Code shall conduct or cause to be conducted the criminal records check and the incompetency records check described in section 311.41 of the Revised Code. The sheriff shall renew the license if the sheriff determines that the applicant continues to satisfy the requirements described in division (D)(1) of this section, except that the applicant is not required to meet the requirements of division (D)(1)(l) of this section. A renewed license shall expire five years after the date of issuance, regardless of whether the renewal occurred prior to, on, or after the effective date of this amendment. A renewed license is subject to division (E) of this section and sections 2923.126 and 2923.128 of the Revised Code. A sheriff shall comply with divisions (D)(2) and (3) of this section when the circumstances described in those divisions apply to a requested license renewal. If a sheriff denies the renewal of a concealed handgun weapons license, the applicant may appeal the denial, or challenge the criminal record check results that were the basis of the denial if applicable, in the same manner as specified in division (D)(2)(b) of this section and in section 2923.127 of the Revised Code, regarding the denial of a license under this section.

(3) A renewal application submitted pursuant to division (F) of this section shall only require the licensee to list on the application form information and matters occurring since the date of the licensee's last application for a license pursuant to division (B) or (F) of this section. A sheriff conducting the criminal records check and the incompetency records check described in section 311.41 of the Revised Code shall conduct the check only from the date of the licensee's last application for a license pursuant to division (B) or (F) of this section through the date of the renewal application submitted pursuant to division (F) of this section.

(4) An applicant for a renewal concealed handgun weapons license under this section shall submit to the any county sheriff of the county in which the applicant resides or to the sheriff of any county adjacent to the county in which the applicant resides, or in the case of an applicant who resides in another state to the sheriff of the county that issued the applicant's previous concealed handgun weapons license, a nonrefundable license fee as described in either of the following:

(a) For an applicant who has been a resident of this state for five or more years, a fee of fifty dollars;

(b) For an applicant who has been a resident of this state for less than five years or who is not a resident of this state but who is employed in this state, a fee of fifty dollars plus the actual cost of having a background check performed by the federal bureau of investigation.

(5) The concealed handgun weapons license of a licensee who is no longer a resident of this state or no longer employed in this state, as applicable, is valid until the date of expiration on the license, regardless of whether the license is issued prior to, on, or after the effective date of this amendment, and the licensee is prohibited from renewing the concealed handgun weapons license.

(G)(1) Each course, class, or program described in division (B)(3)(a), (b), (c), or (e) of this section shall provide to each person who takes the course, class, or program the web site address at which the pamphlet prepared by the Ohio peace officer training commission pursuant to section 109.731 of the Revised Code that reviews deadly weapons, including firearms, dispute resolution, and use of deadly force matters may be found. Each such course, class, or program described in one of those divisions shall include at least eight hours of training in the safe handling and use of a firearm that shall include training, provided as described in division (G)(3) of this section, on all of the following:

(a) The ability to name, explain, and demonstrate the rules for safe handling of a handgun firearm and proper storage practices for handguns firearms and ammunition;

(b) The ability to demonstrate and explain how to handle ammunition in a safe manner;

(c) The ability to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to shoot a handgun firearm in a safe manner;

(d) Gun handling training;

(e) A minimum of two hours of in-person training that consists of range time and live-fire training.

(2) To satisfactorily complete the course, class, or program described in division (B)(3)(a), (b), (c), or (e) of this section, the applicant shall pass a competency examination that shall include both of the following:

(a) A written section, provided as described in division (G)(3) of this section, on the ability to name and explain the rules for the safe handling of a handgun firearm and proper storage practices for handguns firearms and ammunition;

(b) An in-person physical demonstration of competence in the use of a handgun firearm and in the rules for safe handling and storage of a handgun firearm and a physical demonstration of the attitude necessary to shoot a handgun firearm in a safe manner.

(3)(a) Except as otherwise provided in this division, the training specified in division (G)(1)(a) of this section shall be provided to the person receiving the training in person by an instructor. If the training specified in division (G)(1)(a) of this section is provided by a course, class, or program described in division (B)(3)(a) of this section, or it is provided by a course, class, or program described in division (B)(3)(b), (c), or (e) of this section and the instructor is a qualified instructor certified by a national gun advocacy organization, the training so specified, other than the training that requires the person receiving the training to demonstrate handling abilities, may be provided online or as a combination of in-person and online training, as long as the online training includes an interactive component that regularly engages the person.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this division, the written section of the competency examination specified in division (G)(2)(a) of this section shall be administered to the person taking the competency examination in person by an instructor. If the training specified in division (G)(1)(a) of this section is provided to the person receiving the training by a course, class, or program described in division (B)(3)(a) of this section, or it is provided by a course, class, or program described in division (B)(3)(b), (c), or (e) of this section and the instructor is a qualified instructor certified by a national gun advocacy organization, the written section of the competency examination specified in division (G)(2)(a) of this section may be administered online, as long as the online training includes an interactive component that regularly engages the person.

(4) The competency certification described in division (B)(3)(a), (b), (c), or (e) of this section shall be dated and shall attest that the course, class, or program the applicant successfully completed met the requirements described in division (G)(1) of this section and that the applicant passed the competency examination described in division (G)(2) of this section.

(H) Upon deciding to issue a concealed handgun weapons license, deciding to issue a replacement concealed handgun weapons license, or deciding to renew a concealed handgun weapons license pursuant to this section, and before actually issuing or renewing the license, the sheriff shall make available through the law enforcement automated data system all information contained on the license. If the license subsequently is suspended under division (A)(1) or (2) of section 2923.128 of the Revised Code, revoked pursuant to division (B)(1) of section 2923.128 of the Revised Code, or lost or destroyed, the sheriff also shall make available through the law enforcement automated data system a notation of that fact. The superintendent of the state highway patrol shall ensure that the law enforcement automated data system is so configured as to permit the transmission through the system of the information specified in this division.

(I)(1)(I)(1)(a) A sheriff shall accept a completed application form or renewal application, and the fee, items, materials, and information specified in divisions (B)(1) to (5) or division (F) of this section, whichever is applicable, and shall provide an application form or renewal application to any person during at least fifteen hours a week and shall provide the web site address at which a printable version of the application form that can be downloaded and the pamphlet described in division (B) of section 109.731 of the Revised Code may be found at any time, upon request. A sheriff may provide up to eight hours outside of the fifteen hours required in this division during which the sheriff is available to accept or provide the information described in this division only from or to county residents. For each hour in a week that the sheriff is available to accept or provide the information described in this division only from or to county residents, the sheriff must provide an additional hour outside of the fifteen hours required in this division during which the sheriff is available to accept or provide the information described in this division from or to any person. The sheriff shall post notice of the hours during which the sheriff is available to accept or provide the information described in this division.

(b) Nothing in division (I)(1)(a) of this section shall be construed to prohibit the sheriff from offering more hours than are required by division (I)(1)(a) of this section during which the sheriff is available to accept or provide the information described in division (I)(1)(a) of this section from or to any person.

(2) A sheriff shall transmit a notice to the attorney general, in a manner determined by the attorney general, every time a license is issued that waived payment under division (B)(1)(c) of this section for an applicant who is an active or reserve member of the armed forces of the United States or has retired from or was honorably discharged from military service in the active or reserve armed forces of the United States. The attorney general shall monitor and inform sheriffs issuing licenses under this section when the amount of license fee payments waived and transmitted to the attorney general reach one million five hundred thousand dollars each year. Once a sheriff is informed that the payments waived reached one million five hundred thousand dollars in any year, a sheriff shall no longer waive payment of a license fee for an applicant who is an active or reserve member of the armed forces of the United States or has retired from or was honorably discharged from military service in the active or reserve armed forces of the United States for the remainder of that year.

(J) The availability of a concealed weapons license under this section or section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code shall not be construed to prohibit or restrict a person from possessing, carrying, or transporting a deadly weapon in a vehicle or on or about the person's person, whether concealed or unconcealed, loaded or unloaded, without a valid concealed weapons license if the possession, carrying, or transport in the manner in question is otherwise permitted by the Revised Code or any other provision of law.

Sec. 2923.126. (A) A concealed handgun weapons license that is issued under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code prior to, on, or after the effective date of this amendment shall expire five years after the date of issuance. A licensee who has been issued a license under that section shall be granted a grace period of thirty days after the licensee's license expires during which the licensee's license remains valid. Except as provided in divisions (B) and (C) of this section, a licensee who has been issued a concealed handgun weapons license under section 2923.125 or 2923.1213 of the Revised Code prior to, on, or after the effective date of this amendment may carry a concealed handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon anywhere in this state if the license is valid when the licensee is in actual possession of a concealed handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon. The A licensee who has been issued a concealed weapons license under section 2923.125 or 2923.1213 of the Revised Code shall give notice of any change in the licensee's residence address to the sheriff who issued the license within forty-five days after that change. A concealed weapons license that the sheriff issued as a concealed handgun license prior to the effective date of this amendment and that has not expired prior to the effective date of this amendment has the same validity as a concealed weapons license issued on or after that date and shall be treated for purposes of this section, sections 2923.127 to 2923.1212 of the Revised Code, and other Revised Code provisions as if it were a license issued on or after that date.

(B) A valid concealed handgun weapons license does not authorize the licensee to carry a concealed handgun deadly weapon in any manner prohibited under division (B) of section 2923.12 of the Revised Code or in any manner prohibited under section 2923.16 of the Revised Code. A valid license does not authorize the licensee to carry a concealed handgun deadly weapon into any of the following places:

(1) A police station, sheriff's office, or state highway patrol station, premises controlled by the bureau of criminal identification and investigation; a state correctional institution, jail, workhouse, or other detention facility; any area of an airport passenger terminal that is beyond a passenger or property screening checkpoint or to which access is restricted through security measures by the airport authority or a public agency; or an institution that is maintained, operated, managed, and governed pursuant to division (A) of section 5119.14 of the Revised Code or division (A)(1) of section 5123.03 of the Revised Code;

(2) A school safety zone if the licensee's carrying the concealed handgun deadly weapon is in violation of section 2923.122 of the Revised Code;

(3) A courthouse or another building or structure in which a courtroom is located if the licensee's carrying the concealed handgun deadly weapon is in violation of section 2923.123 of the Revised Code;

(4) Any premises or open air arena for which a D permit has been issued under Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code if the licensee's carrying the concealed handgun deadly weapon is in violation of section 2923.121 of the Revised Code;

(5) Any premises owned or leased by any public or private college, university, or other institution of higher education, unless the handgun deadly weapon is in a locked motor vehicle or the licensee is in the immediate process of placing the handgun deadly weapon in a locked motor vehicle or unless the licensee is carrying the concealed handgun deadly weapon pursuant to a written policy, rule, or other authorization that is adopted by the institution's board of trustees or other governing body and that authorizes specific individuals or classes of individuals to carry a concealed handgun deadly weapon on the premises;

(6) Any church, synagogue, mosque, or other place of worship, unless the church, synagogue, mosque, or other place of worship posts or permits otherwise;

(7) Any building that is a government facility of this state or a political subdivision of this state and that is not a building that is used primarily as a shelter, restroom, parking facility for motor vehicles, or rest facility and is not a courthouse or other building or structure in which a courtroom is located that is subject to division (B)(3) of this section, unless the governing body with authority over the building has enacted a statute, ordinance, or policy that permits a licensee to carry a concealed handgun deadly weapon into the building;

(8) A place in which federal law prohibits the carrying of handguns deadly weapons.

(C)(1) Nothing in this section shall negate or restrict a rule, policy, or practice of a private employer that is not a private college, university, or other institution of higher education concerning or prohibiting the presence of firearms deadly weapons on the private employer's premises or property, including motor vehicles owned by the private employer. Nothing in this section shall require a private employer of that nature to adopt a rule, policy, or practice concerning or prohibiting the presence of firearms deadly weapons on the private employer's premises or property, including motor vehicles owned by the private employer.

(2)(a) A private employer shall be immune from liability in a civil action for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly was caused by or related to a licensee bringing a handgun deadly weapon onto the premises or property of the private employer, including motor vehicles owned by the private employer, unless the private employer acted with malicious purpose. A private employer is immune from liability in a civil action for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly was caused by or related to the private employer's decision to permit a licensee to bring, or prohibit a licensee from bringing, a handgun deadly weapon onto the premises or property of the private employer.

(b) A political subdivision shall be immune from liability in a civil action, to the extent and in the manner provided in Chapter 2744. of the Revised Code, for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly was caused by or related to a licensee bringing a handgun deadly weapon onto any premises or property owned, leased, or otherwise under the control of the political subdivision. As used in this division, "political subdivision" has the same meaning as in section 2744.01 of the Revised Code.

(c) An institution of higher education shall be immune from liability in a civil action for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly was caused by or related to a licensee bringing a handgun deadly weapon onto the premises of the institution, including motor vehicles owned by the institution, unless the institution acted with malicious purpose. An institution of higher education is immune from liability in a civil action for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly was caused by or related to the institution's decision to permit a licensee or class of licensees to bring a handgun deadly weapon onto the premises of the institution.

(d) A nonprofit corporation shall be immune from liability in a civil action for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly was caused by or related to a licensee bringing a handgun deadly weapon onto the premises of the nonprofit corporation, including any motor vehicle owned by the nonprofit corporation, or to any event organized by the nonprofit corporation, unless the nonprofit corporation acted with malicious purpose. A nonprofit corporation is immune from liability in a civil action for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly was caused by or related to the nonprofit corporation's decision to permit a licensee to bring a handgun deadly weapon onto the premises of the nonprofit corporation or to any event organized by the nonprofit corporation. The immunities described in this division apply to an entity that leases its property to the nonprofit corporation or permits its property to be used by the nonprofit corporation for any purpose.

(3)(a) Except as provided in division (C)(3)(b) of this section and section 2923.1214 of the Revised Code, the owner or person in control of private land or premises, and a private person or entity leasing land or premises owned by the state, the United States, or a political subdivision of the state or the United States, may post a sign in a conspicuous location on that land or on those premises prohibiting persons from carrying firearms deadly weapons or concealed firearms deadly weapons on or onto that land or those premises. Except as otherwise provided in this division, a person who knowingly violates a posted prohibition of that nature is guilty of criminal trespass in violation of division (A)(4) of section 2911.21 of the Revised Code and is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If a person knowingly violates a posted prohibition of that nature and the posted land or premises primarily was a parking lot or other parking facility, the person is not guilty of criminal trespass under section 2911.21 of the Revised Code or under any other criminal law of this state or criminal law, ordinance, or resolution of a political subdivision of this state, and instead is subject only to a civil cause of action for trespass based on the violation.

If a person knowingly violates a posted prohibition of the nature described in this division and the posted land or premises is a child care center, type A family child care home, or type B family child care home, unless the person is a licensee who resides in a type A family child care home or type B family child care home, the person is guilty of aggravated trespass in violation of section 2911.211 of the Revised Code. Except as otherwise provided in this division, the offender is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the person previously has been convicted of a violation of this division or of any offense of violence, if the deadly weapon involved is a firearm that is either loaded or for which the offender has ammunition ready at hand, or if the deadly weapon involved is dangerous ordnance, the offender is guilty of a felony of the fourth degree.

(b) A landlord may not prohibit or restrict a tenant who is a licensee and who on or after September 9, 2008, enters into a rental agreement with the landlord for the use of residential premises, and the tenant's guest while the tenant is present, from lawfully carrying or possessing a handgun deadly weapon on those residential premises.

(c) As used in division (C)(3) of this section:

(i) "Residential premises" has the same meaning as in section 5321.01 of the Revised Code, except "residential premises" does not include a dwelling unit that is owned or operated by a college or university.

(ii) "Landlord," "tenant," and "rental agreement" have the same meanings as in section 5321.01 of the Revised Code.

(D) A person who holds a valid concealed handgun weapons license issued by another state that is recognized by the attorney general pursuant to a reciprocity agreement entered into pursuant to section 109.69 of the Revised Code or a person who holds a valid concealed handgun weapons license under the circumstances described in division (B) of section 109.69 of the Revised Code has the same right to carry a concealed handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon in this state as a person who was issued a concealed handgun weapons license under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code and is subject to the same restrictions that apply to a person who has been issued a license under that section that is valid at the time in question.

(E)(1) A peace officer has the same right to carry a concealed handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon in this state as a person who was issued a concealed handgun weapons license under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code, provided that the officer when carrying a concealed handgun deadly weapon under authority of this division is carrying validating identification. For purposes of reciprocity with other states, a peace officer shall be considered to be a licensee in this state.

(2) An active duty member of the armed forces of the United States who is carrying has been issued a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in division (G)(1) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code that are valid at the time of carrying or possession has the same right to carry a concealed handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon in this state as a person who was issued a concealed handgun weapons license under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code and is subject to the same restrictions as specified in this section.

(3) A tactical medical professional who is qualified to carry firearms while on duty under section 109.771 of the Revised Code has the same right to carry a concealed handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon in this state as a person who was issued a concealed handgun weapons license under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code.

(4) A fire investigator who is qualified to carry firearms while on duty under section 109.774 of the Revised Code has the same right to carry a concealed handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon in this state as a person who was issued a concealed handgun weapons license under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code.

(F)(1) A qualified retired peace officer who possesses a retired peace officer identification card issued pursuant to division (F)(2) of this section and a valid firearms requalification certification issued pursuant to division (F)(3) of this section has the same right to carry a concealed handgun deadly weapon that is not an exclusive deadly weapon in this state as a person who was issued a concealed handgun weapons license under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code and is subject to the same restrictions that apply to a person who has been issued a license issued under that section that is valid at the time in question. For purposes of reciprocity with other states, a qualified retired peace officer who possesses a retired peace officer identification card issued pursuant to division (F)(2) of this section and a valid firearms requalification certification issued pursuant to division (F)(3) of this section shall be considered to be a licensee in this state who has been issued a concealed weapons license under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code.

(2)(a) Each public agency of this state or of a political subdivision of this state that is served by one or more peace officers shall issue a retired peace officer identification card to any person who retired from service as a peace officer with that agency, if the issuance is in accordance with the agency's policies and procedures and if the person, with respect to the person's service with that agency, satisfies all of the following:

(i) The person retired in good standing from service as a peace officer with the public agency, and the retirement was not for reasons of mental instability.

(ii) Before retiring from service as a peace officer with that agency, the person was authorized to engage in or supervise the prevention, detection, investigation, or prosecution of, or the incarceration of any person for, any violation of law and the person had statutory powers of arrest.

(iii) At the time of the person's retirement as a peace officer with that agency, the person was trained and qualified to carry firearms in the performance of the peace officer's duties.

(iv) Before retiring from service as a peace officer with that agency, the person was regularly employed as a peace officer for an aggregate of fifteen years or more, or, in the alternative, the person retired from service as a peace officer with that agency, after completing any applicable probationary period of that service, due to a service-connected disability, as determined by the agency.

(b) A retired peace officer identification card issued to a person under division (F)(2)(a) of this section shall identify the person by name, contain a photograph of the person, identify the public agency of this state or of the political subdivision of this state from which the person retired as a peace officer and that is issuing the identification card, and specify that the person retired in good standing from service as a peace officer with the issuing public agency and satisfies the criteria set forth in divisions (F)(2)(a)(i) to (iv) of this section. In addition to the required content specified in this division, a retired peace officer identification card issued to a person under division (F)(2)(a) of this section may include the firearms requalification certification described in division (F)(3) of this section, and if the identification card includes that certification, the identification card shall serve as the firearms requalification certification for the retired peace officer. If the issuing public agency issues credentials to active law enforcement officers who serve the agency, the agency may comply with division (F)(2)(a) of this section by issuing the same credentials to persons who retired from service as a peace officer with the agency and who satisfy the criteria set forth in divisions (F)(2)(a)(i) to (iv) of this section, provided that the credentials so issued to retired peace officers are stamped with the word "RETIRED."

(c) A public agency of this state or of a political subdivision of this state may charge persons who retired from service as a peace officer with the agency a reasonable fee for issuing to the person a retired peace officer identification card pursuant to division (F)(2)(a) of this section.

(3) If a person retired from service as a peace officer with a public agency of this state or of a political subdivision of this state and the person satisfies the criteria set forth in divisions (F)(2)(a)(i) to (iv) of this section, the public agency may provide the retired peace officer with the opportunity to attend a firearms requalification program that is approved for purposes of firearms requalification required under section 109.801 of the Revised Code. The retired peace officer may be required to pay the cost of the course.

If a retired peace officer who satisfies the criteria set forth in divisions (F)(2)(a)(i) to (iv) of this section attends a firearms requalification program that is approved for purposes of firearms requalification required under section 109.801 of the Revised Code, the retired peace officer's successful completion of the firearms requalification program requalifies the retired peace officer for purposes of division (F) of this section for five years from the date on which the program was successfully completed, and the requalification is valid during that five-year period. If a retired peace officer who satisfies the criteria set forth in divisions (F)(2)(a)(i) to (iv) of this section satisfactorily completes such a firearms requalification program, the retired peace officer shall be issued a firearms requalification certification that identifies the retired peace officer by name, identifies the entity that taught the program, specifies that the retired peace officer successfully completed the program, specifies the date on which the course was successfully completed, and specifies that the requalification is valid for five years from that date of successful completion. The firearms requalification certification for a retired peace officer may be included in the retired peace officer identification card issued to the retired peace officer under division (F)(2) of this section.

A retired peace officer who attends a firearms requalification program that is approved for purposes of firearms requalification required under section 109.801 of the Revised Code may be required to pay the cost of the program.

(G) As used in this section:

(1) "Qualified retired peace officer" means a person who satisfies all of the following:

(a) The person satisfies the criteria set forth in divisions (F)(2)(a)(i) to (v) of this section.

(b) The person is not under the influence of alcohol or another intoxicating or hallucinatory drug or substance.

(c) The person is not prohibited by federal law from receiving firearms.

(2) "Retired peace officer identification card" means an identification card that is issued pursuant to division (F)(2) of this section to a person who is a retired peace officer.

(3) "Government facility of this state or a political subdivision of this state" means any of the following:

(a) A building or part of a building that is owned or leased by the government of this state or a political subdivision of this state and where employees of the government of this state or the political subdivision regularly are present for the purpose of performing their official duties as employees of the state or political subdivision;

(b) The office of a deputy registrar serving pursuant to Chapter 4503. of the Revised Code that is used to perform deputy registrar functions.

(4) "Governing body" has the same meaning as in section 154.01 of the Revised Code.

(5) "Tactical medical professional" has the same meaning as in section 109.71 of the Revised Code.

(6) "Validating identification" means photographic identification issued by the agency for which an individual serves as a peace officer that identifies the individual as a peace officer of the agency.

(7) "Nonprofit corporation" means any private organization that is exempt from federal income taxation pursuant to subsection 501(a) and described in subsection 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(8) "Fire investigator" has the same meaning as in section 109.71 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 2923.127. (A) If a sheriff denies an application for a concealed handgun weapons license under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code, denies the renewal of a concealed handgun weapons license under that section, or denies an application for a concealed handgun weapons license on a temporary emergency basis under section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code as a result of the criminal records check conducted pursuant to section 311.41 of the Revised Code and if the applicant believes the denial was based on incorrect information reported by the source the sheriff used in conducting the criminal records check, the applicant may challenge the criminal records check results using whichever of the following is applicable:

(1) If the bureau of criminal identification and investigation performed the criminal records check, by using the bureau's existing challenge and review procedures;

(2) If division (A)(1) of this section does not apply, by using the existing challenge and review procedure of the sheriff who denied the application or, if the sheriff does not have a challenge and review procedure, by using the challenge and review procedure prescribed by the bureau of criminal identification and investigation pursuant to division (B) of this section.

(B) The bureau of criminal identification and investigation shall prescribe a challenge and review procedure for applicants to use to challenge criminal records checks under division (A)(2) of this section in counties in which the sheriff with whom an application of a type described in division (A) of this section was filed or submitted does not have an existing challenge and review procedure.

Sec. 2923.128. (A)(1)(a) If a licensee holding a valid concealed handgun weapons license is arrested for or otherwise charged with an offense described in division (D)(1)(d) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code or with a violation of section 2923.15 of the Revised Code or becomes subject to a temporary protection order or to a protection order issued by a court of another state that is substantially equivalent to a temporary protection order, the sheriff who issued the license shall suspend it and shall comply with division (A)(3) of this section upon becoming aware of the arrest, charge, or protection order. Upon suspending the license, the sheriff also shall comply with division (H) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code.

(b) A suspension under division (A)(1)(a) of this section shall be considered as beginning on the date that the licensee is arrested for or otherwise charged with an offense described in that division or on the date the appropriate court issued the protection order described in that division, irrespective of when the sheriff notifies the licensee under division (A)(3) of this section. The suspension shall end on the date on which the charges are dismissed or the licensee is found not guilty of the offense described in division (A)(1)(a) of this section or, subject to division (B) of this section, on the date the appropriate court terminates the protection order described in that division. If the suspension so ends, the sheriff shall return the license or temporary emergency license to the licensee.

(2)(a) If a licensee holding a valid concealed handgun weapons license is convicted of or pleads guilty to a misdemeanor violation of division (B)(2) or (4) of section 2923.12 of the Revised Code or of division (E)(3) or (5) of section 2923.16 of the Revised Code, subject to division (C) of this section, the sheriff who issued the license shall suspend it and shall comply with division (A)(3) of this section upon becoming aware of the conviction or guilty plea. Upon suspending the license, the sheriff also shall comply with division (H) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code.

(b) A suspension under division (A)(2)(a) of this section shall be considered as beginning on the date that the licensee is convicted of or pleads guilty to the offense described in that division, irrespective of when the sheriff notifies the licensee under division (A)(3) of this section. If the suspension is imposed for a misdemeanor violation of division (B)(2) of section 2923.12 of the Revised Code or of division (E)(3) of section 2923.16 of the Revised Code, it shall end on the date that is one year after the date that the licensee is convicted of or pleads guilty to that violation. If the suspension is imposed for a misdemeanor violation of division (B)(4) of section 2923.12 of the Revised Code or of division (E)(5) of section 2923.16 of the Revised Code, it shall end on the date that is two years after the date that the licensee is convicted of or pleads guilty to that violation. If the licensee's license was issued under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code and the license remains valid after the suspension ends as described in this division, when the suspension ends, the sheriff shall return the license to the licensee. If the licensee's license was issued under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code and the license expires before the suspension ends as described in this division, or if the licensee's license was issued under section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code, the licensee is not eligible to apply for a new license under section 2923.125 or 2923.1213 of the Revised Code or to renew the license under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code until after the suspension ends as described in this division.

(3) Upon becoming aware of an arrest, charge, or protection order described in division (A)(1)(a) of this section with respect to a licensee who was issued a concealed handgun weapons license, or a conviction of or plea of guilty to a misdemeanor offense described in division (A)(2)(a) of this section with respect to a licensee who was issued a concealed handgun weapons license, subject to division (C) of this section, the sheriff who issued the licensee's license shall notify the licensee, by certified mail, return receipt requested, at the licensee's last known residence address that the license has been suspended and that the licensee is required to surrender the license at the sheriff's office within ten days of the date on which the notice was mailed. If the suspension is pursuant to division (A)(2) of this section, the notice shall identify the date on which the suspension ends.

(B)(1) A sheriff who issues a concealed handgun weapons license to a licensee shall revoke the license in accordance with division (B)(2) of this section upon becoming aware that the licensee satisfies any of the following:

(a) The licensee is under twenty-one years of age.

(b) Subject to division (C) of this section, at the time of the issuance of the license, the licensee did not satisfy the eligibility requirements of division (D)(1)(c), (d), (e), (f), (g), or (h) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code.

(c) Subject to division (C) of this section, on or after the date on which the license was issued, the licensee is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of section 2923.15 of the Revised Code or an offense described in division (D)(1)(e), (f), (g), or (h) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code.

(d) On or after the date on which the license was issued, the licensee becomes subject to a civil protection order or to a protection order issued by a court of another state that is substantially equivalent to a civil protection order.

(e) The licensee knowingly carries a concealed handgun deadly weapon into a place that the licensee knows is an unauthorized place specified in division (B) of section 2923.126 of the Revised Code.

(f) On or after the date on which the license was issued, the licensee is under adjudication of mental incompetence or is committed to a mental institution.

(g) At the time of the issuance of the license, the licensee did not meet the residency requirements described in division (D)(1) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code and currently does not meet the residency requirements described in that division.

(h) Regarding a license issued under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code, the competency certificate the licensee submitted was forged or otherwise was fraudulent.

(2) Upon becoming aware of any circumstance listed in division (B)(1) of this section that applies to a particular licensee who was issued a concealed handgun weapons license, subject to division (C) of this section, the sheriff who issued the license to the licensee shall notify the licensee, by certified mail, return receipt requested, at the licensee's last known residence address that the license is subject to revocation and that the licensee may come to the sheriff's office and contest the sheriff's proposed revocation within fourteen days of the date on which the notice was mailed. After the fourteen-day period and after consideration of any information that the licensee provides during that period, if the sheriff determines on the basis of the information of which the sheriff is aware that the licensee is described in division (B)(1) of this section and no longer satisfies the requirements described in division (D)(1) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code that are applicable to the licensee's type of license, the sheriff shall revoke the license, notify the licensee of that fact, and require the licensee to surrender the license. Upon revoking the license, the sheriff also shall comply with division (H) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code.

(C) If a sheriff who issues a concealed handgun weapons license to a licensee becomes aware that at the time of the issuance of the license the licensee had been convicted of or pleaded guilty to an offense identified in division (D)(1)(e), (f), or (h) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code or had been adjudicated a delinquent child for committing an act or violation identified in any of those divisions or becomes aware that on or after the date on which the license was issued the licensee has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to an offense identified in division (A)(2)(a) or (B)(1)(c) of this section, the sheriff shall not consider that conviction, guilty plea, or adjudication as having occurred for purposes of divisions (A)(2), (A)(3), (B)(1), and (B)(2) of this section if a court has ordered the sealing or expungement of the records of that conviction, guilty plea, or adjudication pursuant to sections 2151.355 to 2151.358, sections 2953.31 to 2953.35, or section 2953.39 of the Revised Code or the licensee has been relieved under operation of law or legal process from the disability imposed pursuant to section 2923.13 of the Revised Code relative to that conviction, guilty plea, or adjudication.

(D) As used in this section, "motor carrier enforcement unit" has the same meaning as in section 2923.16 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 2923.129. (A)(1) If a sheriff, the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation, the employees of the bureau, the Ohio peace officer training commission, or the employees of the commission make a good faith effort in performing the duties imposed upon the sheriff, the superintendent, the bureau's employees, the commission, or the commission's employees by sections 109.731, 311.41, and 2923.124 to 2923.1213 of the Revised Code, in addition to the personal immunity provided by section 9.86 of the Revised Code or division (A)(6) of section 2744.03 of the Revised Code and the governmental immunity of sections 2744.02 and 2744.03 of the Revised Code and in addition to any other immunity possessed by the bureau, the commission, and their employees, the sheriff, the sheriff's office, the county in which the sheriff has jurisdiction, the bureau, the superintendent of the bureau, the bureau's employees, the commission, and the commission's employees are immune from liability in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly was caused by or related to any of the following:

(a) The issuance, renewal, suspension, or revocation of a concealed handgun weapons license;

(b) The failure to issue, renew, suspend, or revoke a concealed handgun weapons license;

(c) Any action or misconduct with a handgun deadly weapon committed by a licensee.

(2) Any action of a sheriff relating to the issuance, renewal, suspension, or revocation of a concealed handgun weapons license shall be considered to be a governmental function for purposes of Chapter 2744. of the Revised Code.

(3) An entity that or instructor who provides a competency certification of a type described in division (B)(3) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code is immune from civil liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed for any death or any injury or loss to person or property that is caused by or related to a person to whom the entity or instructor has issued the competency certificate if all of the following apply:

(a) The alleged liability of the entity or instructor relates to the training provided in the course, class, or program covered by the competency certificate.

(b) The entity or instructor makes a good faith effort in determining whether the person has satisfactorily completed the course, class, or program and makes a good faith effort in assessing the person in the competency examination conducted pursuant to division (G)(2) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code.

(c) The entity or instructor did not issue the competency certificate with malicious purpose, in bad faith, or in a wanton or reckless manner.

(4) An entity that or instructor who, prior to March 27, 2013, provides a renewed competency certification of a type described in division (G)(4) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to March 27, 2013, is immune from civil liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed for any death or any injury or loss to person or property that is caused by or related to a person to whom the entity or instructor has issued the renewed competency certificate if all of the following apply:

(a) The entity or instructor makes a good faith effort in assessing the person in the physical demonstrations or the competency examination conducted pursuant to division (G)(4) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to March 27, 2013.

(b) The entity or instructor did not issue the renewed competency certificate with malicious purpose, in bad faith, or in a wanton or reckless manner.

(B) Notwithstanding section 149.43 of the Revised Code, the records that a sheriff keeps relative to the issuance, renewal, suspension, or revocation of a concealed handgun weapons license, including, but not limited to, completed applications for the issuance or renewal of a license, completed affidavits submitted regarding an application for a license on a temporary emergency basis, reports of criminal records checks and incompetency records checks under section 311.41 of the Revised Code, and applicants' social security numbers and fingerprints that are obtained under division (A) of section 311.41 of the Revised Code, are confidential and are not public records. No person shall release or otherwise disseminate records that are confidential under this division unless required to do so pursuant to a court order.

(C) Each sheriff shall report to the Ohio peace officer training commission the number of concealed handgun weapons licenses that the sheriff issued, renewed, suspended, revoked, or denied under section 2923.125 of the Revised Code during the previous quarter of the calendar year, the number of applications for those licenses for which processing was suspended in accordance with division (D)(3) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code during the previous quarter of the calendar year, and the number of concealed handgun weapons licenses on a temporary emergency basis that the sheriff issued, suspended, revoked, or denied under section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code during the previous quarter of the calendar year. The sheriff shall not include in the report the name or any other identifying information of an applicant or licensee. The sheriff shall report that information in a manner that permits the commission to maintain the statistics described in division (C) of section 109.731 of the Revised Code and to timely prepare the statistical report described in that division. The information that is received by the commission under this division is a public record kept by the commission for the purposes of section 149.43 of the Revised Code.

(D) Law enforcement agencies may use the information a sheriff makes available through the use of the law enforcement automated data system pursuant to division (H) of section 2923.125 or division (B)(2) or (D) of section 2923.1213 of the Revised Code for law enforcement purposes only. The information is confidential and is not a public record. Except as provided in section 5503.101 of the Revised Code, a person who releases or otherwise disseminates this information obtained through the law enforcement automated data system in a manner not described in this division is guilty of a violation of section 2913.04 of the Revised Code.

(E) Whoever violates division (B) of this section is guilty of illegal release of confidential concealed handgun weapons license records, a felony of the fifth degree. In addition to any penalties imposed under Chapter 2929. of the Revised Code for a violation of division (B) of this section or a violation of section 2913.04 of the Revised Code described in division (D) of this section, if the offender is a sheriff, an employee of a sheriff, or any other public officer or employee, and if the violation was willful and deliberate, the offender shall be subject to a civil fine of one thousand dollars. Any person who is harmed by a violation of division (B) or (C) of this section or a violation of section 2913.04 of the Revised Code described in division (D) of this section has a private cause of action against the offender for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that is a proximate result of the violation and may recover court costs and attorney's fees related to the action.

Sec. 2923.1210. (A) A business entity, property owner, or public or private employer may not establish, maintain, or enforce a policy or rule that prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting a person who has been issued a valid concealed handgun weapons license or who is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States and has been issued a valid military identification card and documentation of successful completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds the training requirements described in division (G)(1) of section 2923.125 of the Revised Code from transporting or storing a firearm deadly weapon or ammunition for a deadly weapon that is a firearm when both of the following conditions are met:

(1) Each firearm deadly weapon and, if there is ammunition, all of the ammunition remains inside the person's privately owned motor vehicle while the person is physically present inside the motor vehicle, or each firearm deadly weapon and, if there is ammunition, all of the ammunition is locked within the trunk, glove box, or other enclosed compartment or container within or on the person's privately owned motor vehicle;

(2) The vehicle is in a location where it is otherwise permitted to be.

(B) A business entity, property owner, or public or private employer that violates division (A) of this section may be found liable in a civil action for injunctive relief brought by any individual injured by the violation. The court may grant any injunctive relief it finds appropriate.

(C) No business entity, property owner, or public or private employer shall be held liable in any civil action for damages, injuries, or death resulting from or arising out of another person's actions involving a firearm deadly weapon or ammunition for a deadly weapon that is a firearm transported or stored pursuant to division (A) of this section including the theft of a firearm deadly weapon from an employee's or invitee's automobile, unless the business entity, property owner, or public or private employer intentionally solicited or procured the other person's injurious actions.