As Introduced

136th General Assembly

Regular Session H. J. R. No. 1

2025-2026

Representatives Ferguson, Santucci

Cosponsors: Representatives Fischer, Williams, Mathews, T., Gross, Hiner, Miller, K., Claggett, Stewart, Lorenz, Dean, Klopfenstein, McClain, Barhorst, Hall, T., Jones, Deeter, Fowler Arthur, Willis, Lear, King, Johnson, Demetriou, Workman, John

A J O I N T R E S O L U T I O N

Proposing to enact Section 23 of Article I of the Constitution of the State of Ohio to establish a constitutional right to hunt and fish.

Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, three-fifths of the members elected to each house concurring herein, that there shall be submitted to the electors of the state, in the manner prescribed by law at the general election to be held on November 4, 2025, a proposal to enact Section 23 of Article I of the Constitution of the State of Ohio to read as follows:

ARTICLE I

Section. 23. (A) The right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife is a valued part of Ohio's heritage and shall be forever preserved for the public good.

(B) The people have a right, which includes the right to use traditional methods, to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife that are traditionally pursued. This right is subject only to the laws prescribed by the General Assembly and rules prescribed by virtue of the authority of the General Assembly to do either of the following:

(1) Promote wildlife conservation and management;

(2) Preserve the future of hunting and fishing.

(C) Hunting and fishing shall be a preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife in this state.

(D) This section shall not be construed to limit the application of any provision of law or of the constitution relating to trespass or property rights.

EFFECTIVE DATE

If adopted by a majority of the electors voting on this proposal, Section 23 of Article I of the Constitution of the State of Ohio enacted by this proposal shall take effect immediately.