Ohio Republicans on Tuesday pushed through legislation that loosens state restrictions on gun silencers and short-barreled firearms, a move that comes just days after the party suffered a string of midterm defeats and as it prepares to hand over the governor's mansion to a Democrat.
The measure, which passed both chambers of the Republican-controlled General Assembly largely along party lines, would remove the state's classification of silencers, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns—commonly known as sawed-off shotguns—as "dangerous ordnance." Under current law, owning such weapons requires compliance with federal registration, including an extra background check and a $200 tax.
If signed by outgoing Gov. Mike DeWine (R), the bill would eliminate the state registration requirement, aligning Ohio with recent federal changes that have cast doubt on the long-standing restrictions. The legislation is the first major action by the GOP legislature since last week's elections, when Democrats swept statewide races and picked up seats in the Statehouse.
Republicans argued the existing rules are an unnecessary burden on law-abiding gun owners and do nothing to enhance public safety. "This is in no way shape or form anything that's going to make Ohio less safe," said state Rep. Tex Fischer (R) on Tuesday.
Democrats, however, questioned why the majority was prioritizing expanded gun access over addressing gun violence and the rising cost of living. "I have a young man, literally just get shot steps from my house. And we are here today talking about this bill," said state Rep. Darnell Brewer (D) ahead of a committee vote. "We need to save lives in Ohio."
The vote comes amid a broader legal fight over the National Firearms Act, the nearly century-old federal law that regulates silencers and short-barreled firearms. Congress eliminated the $200 federal tax on these weapons through President Trump's sweeping tax and spending law last year, prompting a legal challenge to the remaining registration requirements. That federal shift has created an opening for states like Ohio to roll back their own restrictions.
With DeWine's signature expected, the law would take effect before Gov.-elect Amy Acton, a Democrat, assumes office in January. Acton's administration will face a legislature where Republicans still hold majorities, but with a reduced margin. The move is likely to set the stage for a contentious session over gun policy, as Democrats have signaled they will prioritize gun safety measures.
The legislation is part of a broader pattern of Republican states moving to preempt federal firearms rules, a trend that has gained momentum since the Supreme Court's 2022 ruling expanding gun rights. Ohio's action also mirrors efforts in other states to nullify federal regulations on silencers and short-barreled weapons, which gun-rights advocates have long argued are outdated and overly restrictive.
Critics, though, warn that loosening restrictions could make it easier for individuals to obtain weapons that are often used in violent crimes. They also point to the political timing, suggesting the GOP is using its lame-duck advantage to lock in policy wins before Democrats gain more power.
As the debate continues, the outcome in Ohio could influence similar legislative battles in other states. With the federal tax eliminated and registration requirements now under legal scrutiny, the landscape for firearm regulation is shifting—and Ohio's move is a clear signal of the direction many Republican-led states are heading.
