HB 681 Summary

• Prohibits commercial sale of imitation firearms in Ohio effective January 1, 2016, with exceptions for historically significant collector's replicas, certain BB devices with specific calibers, airsoft guns with required orange rings and fluorescent markings, and brightly colored or transparent devices.

• Bans alteration of required safety markings on imitation firearms and prohibits disguising real firearms to look like imitation firearms, both effective January 1, 2016, with exceptions for manufacturers and theatrical productions.

• Prohibits openly displaying or exposing imitation firearms in public places effective January 1, 2016, with extensive exceptions including theatrical productions, sporting events, hunting, shooting ranges, parades with permits, museum displays, and areas where firearm discharge is lawful.

• Requires manufacturers, importers, and distributors of imitation firearms made after July 1, 2015, to include conspicuous written warnings that the product may be mistaken for a real firearm, that altering markings is dangerous and potentially criminal, and that public brandishing may be a crime.

• Establishes misdemeanor penalties for violations: first degree misdemeanors for commercial sale, alteration, and public display; fines up to $1,000 for manufacturers failing to provide warnings, escalating to $5,000 and $10,000 for repeat violations.