H.B. 693 Summary

• Establishes a state certification requirement for carrying firearms into school safety zones, administered by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission through approved training programs.

• Requires training programs to include scenario-based instruction with qualified instructors who can disqualify participants lacking proper temperament, and limits participation to those with valid concealed handgun licenses.

• Creates new legal exemption in section 2923.122 allowing authorized school employees and security contractors to carry firearms on school premises if they have written authorization and the required certificate.

• Grants refundable income tax credits: $1,000 per month (up to $9,000 annually) for school employees carrying firearms daily, and $25 per hour (up to $10,000 annually) for school security contractors.

• Adds the new school firearms certificate credit to the state's tax credit system and requires the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission to establish approval requirements for school safety zone firearms training programs.