SJR 8: CA: Establish constitutional right to hunt and fish
The bill proposes to enact a constitutional right to hunt and fish in the state of Ohio. This right is valued as part of the state's heritage and is intended for the public good. The people have a right to use traditional methods to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife, subject to laws and rules established by the general assembly. The bill prioritizes hunting and fishing as a means of managing and controlling wildlife in the state. The right to hunt and fish does not supersede laws or property rights related to trespass or private property.
| Oct. 29, 2025 | Referred to committee: General Government |
| Oct. 28, 2025 | Offered |
As Introduced
136th General Assembly
Regular Session
Senator Huffman
A JOINT RESOLUTION
Proposing to enact Section 23 of Article I of the 1 Constitution of the State of Ohio to establish a 2 constitutional right to hunt and fish. 3 Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the State of 4 Ohio, three-fifths of the members elected to each house 5 concurring herein, that there shall be submitted to the electors 6 of the state, in the manner prescribed by law at the general 7 election to be held on November 3, 2026, a proposal to enact 8 Section 23 of Article I of the Constitution of the State of Ohio 9 to read as follows: 10
ARTICLE I
Section. 23.
(A) The right to hunt, fish, and harvest 12 wildlife is a valued part of Ohio's heritage and shall be 13 forever preserved for the public good. 14
(B) The people have a right, which includes the right to 15 use traditional methods, to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife. 16 This right is subject only to the laws prescribed by the General 17 Assembly and rules prescribed by virtue of the authority of the 18 General Assembly to do either of the following: 19
(1) Promote wildlife conservation and management; 20
(2) Preserve the future of hunting and fishing. 21
(C) Hunting and fishing shall be a preferred means of 22 managing and controlling wildlife in this state. 23
(D) This section shall not be construed to limit the 24 application of any provision of law or of the constitution 25 relating to trespass or property rights. 26
EFFECTIVE DATE
If adopted by a majority of the electors voting on this 28 proposal, Section 23 of Article I of the Constitution of the 29 State of Ohio enacted by this proposal shall take effect 30 immediately. 31