COLUMBUS, Ohio — A newly issued opinion from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has far-reaching consequences for county fairs across the state: Local fair boards can no longer prohibit individuals from openly carrying or concealing firearms on fairgrounds property, as long as they comply with state law.
In a formal opinion released Monday, Yost determined that county agricultural societies – entities that run and manage county fairs – are considered “political subdivisions” under state law, meaning they must follow Ohio’s firearms preemption statute.
That statute, R.C. 9.68, prevents any political subdivision from enacting or enforcing gun regulations more restrictive than state or federal law. It also allows individuals to sue if their firearm rights are improperly limited…