Rep. Adam Mathews Supports Ohio Bill Easing Restrictions on Firearm Suppressors and Short-Barreled Guns

WARREN COUNTY, OH — State Rep. Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon) voted in favor of legislation that would remove certain firearms and accessories from Ohio's classification of dangerous ordnance, bringing state law into alignment with recent changes in federal firearm regulations.

Senate Bill 214 would remove firearm suppressors, short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns from the state's dangerous ordnance classification, reducing restrictions on their possession and use.

Mathews, who co-sponsored the legislation, said the measure supports Second Amendment rights.

“I am glad to co-sponsor this commonsense legislation, which aligns Ohio law with federal protections of the Second Amendment and our ability to protect ourselves,” Mathews said.

Under the legislation, Ohio residents who are legally permitted to possess firearms would be allowed to acquire, possess, carry and use firearm suppressors without the additional restrictions associated with dangerous ordnance.

The bill would also remove short-barreled rifles and shotguns from that classification.

What prompted the legislation?

The changes follow developments at the federal level involving the National Firearms Act, which has regulated certain weapons and accessories since 1934.

In 2025, Congress approved legislation eliminating the federal making and transfer taxes on suppressors, short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns.

Following an August 2026 federal court ruling, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced Oct. 9 that it would stop enforcing certain federal registration and prior-approval requirements for those items.

However, the National Firearms Act itself has not been repealed, and other federal firearm regulations remain in effect.

Licensed firearm dealers must still conduct required background checks and comply with applicable federal and state laws.

What happens next?

The Ohio House approved Senate Bill 214 on Nov. 10, with Mathews voting in favor.

The Senate subsequently voted 21-9 to concur with the House amendments, completing the legislation's passage through the Ohio General Assembly.

The bill now awaits consideration by Gov. Mike DeWine.

If signed into law, the legislation would eliminate several state-level restrictions on suppressors and short-barreled firearms while leaving other applicable firearm laws in place.

Residents can follow the legislation through the Ohio General Assembly's Senate Bill 214 page.

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