Firearms Freedom Act Introduced in Ohio

11/12/13. Firearms Freedom Act Introduced in Ohio. Scott Landreth, tenthamendmentcenter.com

Ohio State Representative John Becker has introduced a bill very similar to the Montana Firearms Freedom Act.

Ohio HB 340, introduced on November 8, 2013, clarifies that the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution does not extend to products manufactured and sold entirely within Ohio’s borders.  This bill is cosponsored by Representatives Ron Hood, Matt Lynch and Andy Thompson and is expected to win the support of several other liberty-minded members of the Ohio House.

This bill would specify that firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition manufactured within Ohio are not subject to federal regulation via the Commerce Clause as long as the products do not cross state boundaries.

“HB 340 will encourage manufacturers of firearms, ammunition, and accessories to relocate to Ohio. That will boost Ohio’s economy and create jobs,” Becker said.

The bill sites both the 9th and 10th Amendments and goes on to say that “The regulation of intrastate commerce is vested in the states under the ninth and tenth amendments to the United States Constitution.”

Ohio is just one of many states introducing this type of legislation due to a growing understanding of the 10th Amendment. “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”

LEGISLATION AND TRACKING

If you would like to see model legislation to introduce in your state to nullify federal firearm laws, please see The Tenth Amendment Center’s Model Legislation: The 2nd Amendment Preservation Act.

Track the status of Firearms Freedom Acts in states around the country HERE

ACTION ITEMS

A very similar bill (HB315) was introduced in Ohio in October of 2009, but never even made it to the floor for a vote.  If you are an Ohio resident and would like to see this bill get passed, please contact your State Representative and State Senator.