By Candy Petticord. July 19, 2025
Purpose:
This bill encourages Ohioans to develop the skills, knowledge, and the mindset necessary to defend themselves and others. By acquiring a “Certificate of Firearms Training,” and by demonstrating firearms competence as provided in this Act, tax savings and legal protections become available, which are designed to make it easier and less expensive for Ohioans to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
Section One – Tax Incentives:
To be codified as: ORC § 5747.115 – Firearms Training and Safety Tax Incentives:
The following shall qualify for income tax deductions and/or credits:
– Certified firearms safety, marksmanship, and defense courses
– Ammunition and range fees
– Firearm related travel mileage, airfares and other expenses
– Carry permits and licensing fees
– Membership in Second Amendment organizations
– Protective equipment – such as eye/ear protection
– Safe storage – locking devices, safes, car safes
– Reloading equipment and supplies
– Firearms cleaning, maintenance, repairs, and gunsmithing
– Training and certification costs to become firearms instructors
– Purchases of U.S.-made firearms and accessories
– Firearms carry/self-defense insurance
– Police departments providing civilian firearms training shall be eligible for State reimbursement
Section Two – Legal Protections:
To be codified as: ORC § 2923.30 – Self-Defense Legal Immunity and Protection Provisions:
– Citizens who act in defense of self or others shall not be subject to civil liability from the assailant or their affiliates.
– A public defender shall be provided at state expense to any individual charged due to a defensive use of force and unable to afford representation.
– Citizen militias shall not be touched per the Second Amendment.
– Gun manufacturers shall not be liable for crimes committed with their firearms.
Section Three – Youth Firearms Education:
To be codified as: ORC § 3313.6211 – Optional Firearms Safety and Constitutional Literacy Course
All Ohio public and charter high schools shall offer an elective, credit-bearing firearms and constitutional rights course taught by a certified firearms instructor.
Curriculum shall include:
– Safe handling, storage, and function of firearms
– History and principles of the Second Amendment and the definition of rights
– Ohio and U.S. gun laws
– Conflict avoidance and situational awareness, non-lethal force, escapes
Section Four – Asset Forfeiture Fund:
To be codified as: ORC § 2981.14 or ORC § 131.51 – Firearms Self-Defense Support Fund
All proceeds from state criminal property seizures shall be deposited into a designated Citizens Firearms Fund. These funds shall be dedicated to funding this Act.
ENDORSEMENTS:
BILL STATUS:
COMMENTS: