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Ohio Statewide Rule

Ohio Firearms Preemption Law (ORC 9.68)

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Ohio (2026)

Key Facts

ORC 9
ORC 9.68 establishes statewide uniformity for firearm regulation
Statutory Authority
Municipal ordinances conflicting with state firearm law are unenforceable
Prevailing Plaintiffs
Prevailing plaintiffs recover attorney fees and costs
Residential
Ohio Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld preemption against home-rule challenges
Limits
Limited local authority remains for discharge of firearms within municipalities
Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: Ohio Laws & Administrative Rules

Summary

Ohio Revised Code 9.68 preempts local firearm ordinances, reserving authority over firearms regulation almost entirely to the state legislature.

(A) The individual right to keep and bear arms, being a fundamental individual right that predates the United States Constitution and Ohio Constitution, and being a constitutionally protected right in every part of Ohio, the general assembly finds the need to provide uniform laws throughout the state regulating the ownership, possession, purchase, other acquisition, transport, storage, carrying, sale, other transfer, manufacture, taxation, keeping, and reporting of loss or theft of firearms, their components, and their ammunition, and knives. The general assembly also finds and declares that it is proper for law-abiding people to protect themselves, their families, and others from intruders and attackers without fear of prosecution or civil action for acting in defense of themselves or others.

Source: Ohio Laws & Administrative RulesView official code

Full Breakdown

ORC 9.68 declares the General Assembly's intent to provide uniform firearms laws throughout Ohio and bars municipalities from enacting or enforcing ordinances that conflict with state law on the ownership, possession, purchase, transfer, transport, storage, or keeping of firearms. The statute has been challenged repeatedly, most notably in Cleveland v. State and again following amendments through HB 228 (2018), with Ohio Supreme Court rulings consistently upholding state preemption. Persons adversely affected by a local ordinance may bring a civil action for declaratory and injunctive relief plus attorney fees.

Violations & Penalties

Local governments enforcing conflicting firearm ordinances face civil liability, injunctive relief, and mandatory attorney-fee awards to prevailing plaintiffs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ohio cities pass their own gun-control ordinances?
No. ORC 9.68 preempts conflicting local firearm regulations, leaving most authority with the state.
Are there any firearm rules cities can still enforce?
Cities may regulate the discharge of firearms and certain employment-related firearm policies but cannot regulate ownership or possession.

Sources

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