COLUMBUS, Ohio — A controversial bill that would allow Ohioans to seek punitive damages against municipalities over gun regulations that don’t align with state law is moving forward in the Statehouse.
Senate Bill 278 sharpens an ongoing dispute between state lawmakers and local governments over who controls firearm policy and to what extent. The legislation was cleared in a 4–2 vote during an early March meeting of the Senate Local Government Committee, with all present Republican members voting in favor.
Supporters say the provision is necessary to strengthen the existing state law that prohibits cities from creating their own gun regulations, while critics argue it would expose local governments to expensive lawsuits and erode their role in protecting communities…