As Introduced

136th General Assembly

Regular Session S. B. No. 321

2025-2026

To enact sections 5119.081 and 5123.131 of the Revised Code regarding the carrying of firearms by certain special police officers.

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

Section 1. That sections 5119.081 and 5123.131 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 5119.081. (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Deadly weapon" and "firearm" have the same meanings as in section 2923.11 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Special police officer" means a special police officer designated under section 5119.08 of the Revised Code.

(B) The director of behavioral health shall not prohibit a special police officer, while on duty on the premises of an institution under the jurisdiction of the department of behavioral health, from carrying or possessing a deadly weapon, including a firearm, in any of the following circumstances:

(1) When escorting a patient outside of the institution;

(2) When operating one or more of the institution's metal detectors;

(3) When patrolling the institution's grounds.

Sec. 5123.131. (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Deadly weapon" and "firearm" have the same meanings as in section 2923.11 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Special police officer" means a special police officer designated under section 5123.13 of the Revised Code.

(B) The director of developmental disabilities shall not prohibit a special police officer, while on duty on the premises of an institution under the jurisdiction of the department of developmental disabilities, from carrying or possessing a deadly weapon, including a firearm, in any of the following circumstances:

(1) When escorting a resident outside of the institution;

(2) When operating one or more of the institution's metal detectors;

(3) When patrolling the institution's grounds.