OH SB278

Amends Ohio Revised Code section 9.68 to allow individuals to seek punitive or exemplary damages against political subdivisions that enact firearm regulations conflicting with state preemption law

Expands existing civil remedies allowing persons, groups, or entities adversely affected by local gun control measures to sue for actual damages, declaratory relief, and injunctive relief

Requires political subdivisions to pay all damages awarded plus reasonable expenses including attorney's fees, court costs, expert witness fees, and compensation for lost income to prevailing plaintiffs

Awards reasonable expenses even if the local ordinance is repealed or rescinded after a lawsuit is filed but before final court determination

Maintains exceptions for zoning ordinances regulating commercial firearm/knife sales in residential or agricultural areas, and ordinances specifying hours or locations of commercial sales consistent with other retail regulations