​Ohio Law Would Ban “Mass Casualty Weapons”

Ohio lawmakers introduced a bill this week that would limit access to so-called “mass casualty weapons.” While proponents say that it’s a piece of responsible gun legislation, the bill’s detractors are claiming that it’s unconstitutional and violates the Second Amendment. Get the full story here.

Ohio Law Would Ban “Mass Casualty Weapons”

Ohio is usually a fairly gun-friendly state. But a minority of lawmakers in the Buckeye State are trying to change that with a new law banning certain types of firearms.

Democrats in Ohio’s state House of Representatives introduced the law, dubbed House Bill 433 (HB 433), on May 14, 2024. Its sponsors say that the law is intended to keep “mass casualty weapons” out of the hands of Ohio residents.

What exactly is a “mass casualty weapon,” you may ask? According to the authors of HB 433, only guns fit the bill. Specifically, a “mass casualty weapon” is any semi-automatic firearm designed or specially adapted to fire more than 31 cartridges without reloading, other than a firearm chambering only .22 caliber short, long, or long-rifle cartridges.” This effectively bans every semi-auto gun in existence.

Apparently, blades, cars, and explosives by definition aren’t mass casualty weapons according to Ohio Democrats.

Under the proposed law, Ohioans would be banned from buying, selling, possessing, or carrying these types of guns.

The law has exemptions for certain individuals. For example, police officers, members of the military, and state employees all may continue to buy and carry “mass casualty weapons” under the new bill.

Regardless of how lawmakers word their bills, it’s pretty clear that HB 433 is a ban on so-called “assault weapons.” Other states – notably Colorado – have tried (and failed) to adopt similar laws during this year’s legislative sessions. Now, Ohio is stepping into the ring while ramping up the anti-gun rhetoric.

Under HB 433, this Glock pistol is a “mass casualty weapon.”

The Big Picture

This bill’s introduction will probably send some Ohio gun owners into a gun-buying tizzy. But the truth is that it’s extremely unlikely to become law in Ohio’s present political climate.

Ohio currently has Republican supermajorities in both its state Senate and House of Representatives. This means that Republicans control a ⅔ majority of each assembly, and can essentially force any legislation to pass or fail as they see fit.

On top of this, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is a staunch Republican who has a strong record supporting his constituents’ gun rights. Within the last few years, he’s signed bills allowing teachers to arm themselves and legalizing permitless concealed carry.

With those two factors in mind, HB 433 appears to be dead on arrival. Regardless, we’ll keep an eye on things for you.