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Sponsors say SB75 would raise penalty for failing to report lost or stolen firearms
Summary
Senators presented the first hearing on SB75, which would increase the penalty for failing to report a lost or stolen firearm from a fourth-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor; sponsors cited rising firearm thefts and said they expect additional local data to inform the committee.
Senate Bill 75 received its first hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, where sponsors described the measure as a step to increase accountability for owners who fail to report lost or stolen firearms.
Senator Hicks Hudson, a sponsor, told the committee Ohio requires lost-or-stolen firearm reports and that SB75 would increase the penalty from a fourth-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor, which she described as carrying up to six months in jail and a fine up to $1,000. She characterized the bill as “common sense legislation with the intent to save lives.”
Hicks Hudson cited national statistics and said her office will follow up with committee staff after an informal review of local reporting in the Toledo Blade. She said roughly one-third of states require reporting and that many stolen guns end up in prohibited hands.
Senator Ingram joined in sponsor remarks and asked members to pose questions to the sponsors. No committee questions were recorded during the hearing and the committee recorded the appearance as the first hearing on SB75.
