Ohio Republican Pushes Bill Requiring Co-signers for Gun Purchases

Ohio state Sen. Matt Dolan (R) is pushing legislation that requires gun buyers under the age of 21 to get a co-signer age 25 or above. The bill, SB 357, does not apply to the purchase of single shot rifles or shotguns.

The Journal-News notes Dolan’s announcement of the bill made clear “the co-signer can be held civilly liable if that purchased firearm is used or brandished during the commission of a felony offense while the buyer is under the age of 21.”

SB 357 “creates a seller’s protection certificate for private gun sales.” This would mean that private gun sales would “require the purchaser to receive written clearance from a county sheriff confirming no legal disability is present.”  (An exemption for private sale requirements would be made for family members selling to family members.)