OH HB16

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

Criminalizes alteration of imitation firearm markings or coloration to make them appear more like real firearms, and disguising real firearms to appear as imitation firearms, both as first-degree misdemeanors.

Prohibits knowingly displaying or exposing imitation firearms in public places effective January 1, 2016, except in specified circumstances including theatrical productions, sporting events, hunting, shooting ranges, parades with permits, and museum displays.

Requires manufacturers and importers of imitation firearms manufactured after July 1, 2015 to include written warnings on packaging advising that the product may be mistaken for a firearm and that altering or publicly displaying it may be illegal.

Imposes escalating fines on manufacturers, importers, or distributors who fail to provide required warnings: up to $1,000 for first violation, $5,000 for second violation, and $10,000 for third or subsequent violations.