COLUMBUS – State Representative Susan Manchester, R-Waynesfield, and the Ohio House of Representatives voted recently in favor of Senate Bill 215 to allow law-abiding Ohioans to carry a concealed handgun without a permit.

The landmark legislation is the most significant 2nd Amendment bill approved by Ohio lawmakers in years.

Legislators passed a similar piece of legislation, House Bill 227, out of the House in November.

“The rights of Ohioans are non-negotiable,” said Manchester. “I’m proud to support this legislation that will ensure law-abiding citizens are able to protect themselves.”

Under the bill, if you are 21 and legally qualify for a concealed carry license, you can legally carry a handgun concealed for any lawful purposes with no additional licenses, fees or paperwork required.

The bill does not eliminate Ohio’s concealed handgun license system, but rather makes it optional. Law-abiding Ohioans who still wish to obtain a permit would still be able to do so. For example, an Ohioan traveling to another state may wish to obtain a license for concealed carry reciprocity purposes.

Senate Bill 215 will now head back to the Ohio Senate for concurrence before heading to the governor’s desk for his signature.