Cincinnati residents face a potential shift in state gun policy as Ohio lawmakers advance Senate Bill 214, which would reclassify short‑barreled firearms and silencers from “dangerous ordnance” to standard firearms and accessories. The bill, passed by the Ohio General Assembly, aims to align state law with a recent federal policy change by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) that eliminated the requirement for an enhanced background check on these items.
Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey spoke at a press conference on Friday, urging Governor Mike DeWine to veto the legislation. “I’m absolutely opposed to this legislation,” McGuffey said, adding that it would make it easier for dangerous weapons to enter the hands of the wrong people. She expressed concern that the bill would allow private sellers at gun shows to sell to private buyers without clear records, making it harder for law‑enforcement to trace purchases. McGuffey also warned that the proliferation of suppressors could impair the effectiveness of ShotSpotter technology, which the county uses to detect gunfire.
Senate Bill 214’s sponsor, State Sen. Kyle Koehler (R‑Springfield), defended the measure, stating to WLWT that the changes “simply align state laws with new federal guidelines—ensuring that law‑abiding gun owners aren’t inadvertently turned into felons just for trying to comply with both state and federal law.” He argued that the bill does not affect criminals, who “will continue to ignore our gun laws.”
Opposition to the bill includes State Rep. Karen Brownlee (D‑Symmes Township), who criticized the General Assembly for “continuing to loosen firearm restrictions instead of tightening them.” Brownlee emphasized that Ohio families are calling for common‑sense gun legislation to keep children safe. Cincinnati City Councilmember Anna Albi echoed the sheriff’s frustration, describing the proposal as “infuriating” amid heightened public‑safety concerns in the city.
The legislation also references that, under current Ohio law, possession of any class of “dangerous ordnance” without proper authorization is a fifth‑degree felony. While short‑barreled rifles and suppressors have historically required ATF approval, the new federal guidance removed that step, prompting the state‑level response.
What’s next: The bill now awaits Governor DeWine’s decision. If he signs Senate Bill 214, the reclassification would take effect, altering how law‑enforcement agencies track and regulate short‑barreled firearms and silencers across Hamilton County and the broader Cincinnati area.
Sources: wlwt.com
