COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new bill introduced in the Ohio Senate seeks to ban certain firearm accessories that increase the rate of fire for semi-automatic weapons. Senate Bill No. 307, introduced on July 30, 2024, aims to ban devices such as trigger cranks and bump-fire devices, which are designed to accelerate a semi-automatic firearm’s rate of fire.
The proposed legislation, backed by several Democratic senators including Kent Smith, Hearcel Craig, Nickie Antonio, William DeMora, Paula Hicks-Hudson, Catherine Ingram, and Vernon Sykes, reflects growing concerns over firearm safety in Ohio. The bill seeks to amend existing sections of the Ohio Revised Code and enact new provisions.
Key Provisions of Senate Bill No. 307:
- Device Ban: The bill would make it illegal to import, manufacture, sell, transfer, or possess devices that enhance the firing rate of semi-automatic firearms. This includes trigger cranks and bump-fire devices.
- Exemptions: The prohibition does not apply to devices controlled or used by federal or state agencies.
- Penalties: Violating the ban would be classified as “illegal rate-of-fire acceleration conduct,” a felony of the fourth degree.
- Firearm Disabilities: The bill also addresses restrictions on firearm possession for individuals with certain criminal convictions, substance abuse issues, or mental health adjudications.
- Relief from Disability: Those prohibited from firearm possession may seek relief from these restrictions under specific conditions, such as demonstrating a law-abiding life post-discharge or release.
The push for stricter regulations comes amid an increase in gun violence in Ohio.
Senator Kent Smith and his colleagues advocate for the bill as a necessary measure to prevent the misuse of high-rate-of-fire accessories, which could exacerbate the state’s gun violence crisis.