COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio’s firearm laws could be headed for another major overhaul. State Senator Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) officially introduced the “Freedom to Carry” Act on Monday, March 23, 2026, aiming to lower the age for concealed carry and simplify how firearms are transported in vehicles.
The bill is designed to “harmonize” state standards with federal laws and protect law-abiding citizens from unintentional felonies.
Lowering the Age: 18 to Carry
The most talked-about provision of the bill would lower the minimum age to obtain a concealed carry license from 21 to 18.
Under current Ohio law, 18-year-olds are permitted to possess and “open carry” firearms, but they are barred from carrying them concealed. Cutrona argues that if an 18-year-old is old enough to serve in the military or vote, they should be allowed the same self-defense rights as older adults.
The “Hunting Loophole”: Fixing Vehicle Transport
A major driver behind the bill is a quirk in current law regarding the transport of “long guns” (rifles and shotguns).
- The Current Risk: Currently, even if you have a concealed carry permit, you can be charged with improper handling of a firearm—a fourth-degree felony—if you transport a long gun with ammunition anywhere near the weapon.
- The Solution: The Freedom to Carry Act would make it legal to transport these firearms in a vehicle without the risk of a felony, provided the owner is a law-abiding citizen.
“If you’re pulled over going from one property to another to go hunting, it’s a felony if you are transporting long guns in a certain way,” Cutrona said. “We’re trying to avoid people unintentionally breaking the law.”
What’s Next for the Bill?
The Freedom to Carry Act has already gained significant traction in the Senate, with Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) serving as a lead co-sponsor along with six other Republican colleagues.
The bill also includes provisions to align Ohio law with recent federal changes regarding National Firearms Act (NFA) weapons, such as short-barreled rifles and shotguns, ensuring that Ohioans aren’t penalized by state law for items that are federally legal to own.
The legislation now heads to a Senate committee for hearings.
