To amend section 2923.25 of the Revised Code to require that gun trigger locks be attached and provided with firearms sales by federally licensed firearms dealers.
Summary
HB337 would amend Ohio Revised Code section 2923.25 to require federally licensed firearms dealers to provide and attach a trigger lock, gun lock, or other appropriate gun locking device when selling a firearm. The bill also requires dealers to continue offering additional gun locks or locking devices for sale if available. In addition, the measure keeps in place existing requirements that dealers display a state-furnished safety poster and make a safety brochure available to firearm purchasers.
The bill is a firearms safety measure focused on reducing the risk of unauthorized access to guns after purchase. It applies only to federally licensed firearms dealers and ties the required lock to the specific firearm being sold, while preserving the dealer’s obligation to offer other compatible locking devices when available.
Impact
If enacted, HB337 would strengthen Ohio’s firearm sale requirements by converting the lock provision from an offer to a mandatory provision and attachment at the point of sale. It would directly affect federally licensed firearms dealers, who would need to ensure every firearm sale includes an appropriate trigger lock or similar locking device, and it would continue the existing public-safety posting and brochure requirements under state law.
Sentiment
The bill appears to reflect a public-safety-oriented approach to firearm sales, with support from a sizable group of House sponsors and cosponsors. Because the bill was only introduced and had no recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, there is no documented opposition or formal sentiment from floor or committee action. The available context suggests the measure is framed as a gun-safety requirement rather than a broader firearms restriction.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the mandate placed on federally licensed firearms dealers: supporters are likely to view the requirement as a common-sense safety measure, while critics may see it as an added regulatory burden on lawful gun sales. Another possible issue is whether requiring the lock to be attached and provided at the time of sale goes beyond the current law’s more flexible offer-based approach. No specific objections or amendments are reflected in the provided discussion materials.