Sponsor outlines voluntary firearm-storage program for veterans and first responders in SB 273

Senate Bill 273, presented by sponsor Senator Kaler at a meeting of the Senate Armed Services, Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee, would create a voluntary program allowing Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) and law enforcement agencies to store firearms for owners who are struggling with emotional or mental-health issues.

Kaler said the bill originated with FFLs and groups including Buckeye Firearms and LifeSite Ohio and that it is intended to help veterans and first responders who face stigma when seeking mental-health care. "SB 273 simply creates the ability for FFLs and law enforcement agencies to voluntarily store firearms for gun owners struggling with emotional and mental health issues," Kaler said. "These partnerships are voluntary and no one will be obligated to participate."

The bill would provide liability immunity to participating FFLs and law enforcement agencies for inquiries related to firearm storage, except where an FFL acts with "malicious intent" to withhold return of a firearm. Kaler also said the attorney general would develop a form to document exchanges so owners could retrieve firearms without losing ownership or Second Amendment rights. When asked, Kaler said the bill does not require lockboxes or locking devices; firearms would be stored by participating FFLs or agencies.

Kaler cited veteran suicide statistics during testimony, noting repeated daily losses among veterans and saying the measure aims to reduce suicide risk by removing immediate access to firearms for people in crisis. Committee members asked clarifying questions; Senator Craig recounted recent incidents involving children and unsecured firearms and expressed support for safe-storage measures.

The committee recorded this as a first hearing sponsor presentation; no committee vote or final action on SB 273 is recorded in the transcript.