HB 236 Summary

• Authorizes state and local government officials who possess a valid concealed handgun license to carry a concealed handgun into publicly owned facilities that are not designated as "secure facilities," including schools, courthouses, and government buildings.

• Adds new exemptions for government officials to Ohio's restrictions on carrying firearms in school safety zones (section 2923.122) and courthouses (section 2923.123), provided they have a valid concealed handgun license and the facility is not a secure facility.

• Defines "government official" as any elected or appointed officer or employee of the state or political subdivision, and "secure facility" as one with controlled entrances/exits and metal detection screening or equivalent security measures.

• Requires facility operators to post signs notifying government officials with concealed handgun licenses that firearm restrictions do not apply to them, and prevents private employers leasing state/local property from prohibiting government officials from carrying concealed handguns unless the facility is secure.

• Applies these provisions to amended versions of sections 2923.126 and 2923.1212 scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2014, ensuring continuity of the law.