Ohio Legislature Passes Bill to Ease Rules on Silencers and Short-Barreled Guns

Ohio's Republican-led House and Senate passed Senate Bill 214 on Tuesday, which would eliminate the state requirement for federal registration of gun silencers and short-barreled rifles and shotguns, including sawed-off shotguns. The bill passed mostly along party lines, with all Republicans supporting it and most Democrats opposing, and now heads to Gov. Mike DeWine for his signature or veto.

Currently, Ohio law treats these items as "dangerous ordnance" but permits possession after a federal background check and $200 tax. Republicans argue the state requirement is duplicative, while Democrats warn of increased gun violence. The bill responds to a Texas court ruling that deemed registration requirements unconstitutional after Congress reduced the tax to $0, and the ATF stopped enforcement. Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson had flagged the conflict for lawmakers.