HB 358: Require distribution of information on firearm storage
the bill requires the development of an informational notice on firearm storage, which will be provided to schools and made available online. the notice will contain information and best practices on storing firearms safely, including answers to frequently asked questions and guidance on obtaining gun locks and safes. the notice will be updated annually to reflect any changes in the law. schools are required to distribute the notice to parents or legal guardians of enrolled students. the bill also makes the state immune from civil liability for damages related to the informational notice.
| Jun. 18, 2025 | Referred to committee: Public Safety |
| Jun. 12, 2025 | Introduced |
As Introduced
136th General Assembly
Regular Session
H. B. No. 358
2025-2026
Representatives Brewer, Fischer
Cosponsors: Representatives Grim, Lett, Rader, Piccolantonio, Brennan, Synenberg, Upchurch, McNally, Brownlee, Miller, J., Sweeney, Mohamed, Sigrist, Lawson-Rowe
To enact section 2923.251 of the Revised Code to require distribution of information on firearm storage.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That section 2923.251 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:
Sec. 2923.251. (A) The department of children and youth, in conjunction with the department of public safety, shall develop and provide an informational notice in English, Spanish, and Arabic that contains information and best practices regarding the storage of firearms. This notice shall include the following:
(1) Answers to frequently asked questions about firearm storage requirements;
(2) Guidance on where a parent or legal guardian can obtain gun locks and gun safes, including free or low-cost options.
(B) The department of children and youth shall share the informational notice developed under division (A) of this section with every school district and every community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code, STEM school established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code, and chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school.
(C) The department of public safety, in conjunction with the department of children and youth, shall update annually the informational notice developed under division (A) of this section to account for any change in the law. The updated notice shall be provided annually. Upon receipt, each school district board of education and each governing body of a community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code, STEM school established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code, or chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school shall distribute the informational notice to the parent or legal guardian of each student enrolled in the district or school. The informational notice may be distributed electronically or by mail and shall also be made available online.
(D) (1) The department of children and youth and the department of public safety shall post the English, Spanish, and Arabic versions of the informational notice developed under this section on each department's respective web site.
(2) Every school district board of education and every governing body of a community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code, STEM school established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code, or chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school shall post links to the web sites described in division (D) (1) of this section on the web site of the district or school.
(E) The department of public safety, the department of children and youth, each school district, and each community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code, STEM school established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code, and chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school and any officers, board members, or employees of those institutions are immune from civil liability for any damages allegedly caused by, arising out of, or relating to the informational notice developed under division (A) of this section.