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Sponsor urges removing suppressors from Ohio’s ‘dangerous ordnance’ list to match federal changes
Summary
Senator Kaler presented sponsor testimony on Senate Bill 214, which would remove firearm suppressors from Ohio’s "dangerous ordnance" list in the Ohio Revised Code, saying suppressors are primarily hearing-protection devices and noting pending federal action in H.R.1.
Chair Johnson opened the first hearing on Senate Bill 214 and recognized sponsor Senator Kaler to present testimony. Kaler said SB 214 would remove firearm suppressors from the list of dangerous ordinances in the Ohio Revised Code so state law matches anticipated changes in federal law (H.R.1). He described suppressors as devices that dampen—but do not silence—gunfire and said owners currently must comply with the National Firearms Act requirements, including fingerprinting, a background check, a photo and a $200 tax stamp.
Kaler acknowledged the state bill’s effectiveness depends on federal action: he said Ohio law would conflict with federal law if Congress passes language in H.R.1 as expected and urged the committee to consider SB 214 so state statutes align with federal changes. He argued that suppressors are used for hearing protection and estimated criminal use is extremely rare, citing a figure expressed in testimony as roughly 0.003% of crimes.
There was no questioning recorded and the chair recorded that this would stand as the first hearing on SB 214. No formal vote or amendment occurred during the session.
