Ohio HB 949 prohibits state colleges from banning nonlethal self-defense weapons on campus

Original title: Enact the Campus Self-Defense Act

Last action · May 20, 2026: Referred to Public SafetySponsors: Levi Dean and 6 others

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Introduced

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Floor Vote

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What This Bill Would Do

Ohio House Bill 949 prohibits state institutions of higher education from banning adults aged eighteen and older from possessing or using s on campus. The measure prevents colleges from imposing weapon registrations, requiring prior approval, or penalizing students for carrying items such as pepper spray or stun guns in self-defense. Additionally, colleges must allow students to store these weapons in campus housing without rendering them inaccessible during emergencies.

Why it matters

State colleges face first-degree misdemeanor charges and mandatory $50,000 fines if they restrict adults from carrying or storing nonlethal self-defense tools on campus properties.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

state institution of higher education

Public universities and colleges must eliminate campus bans, registration requirements, and restrictive storage rules for nonlethal weapons or face misdemeanor charges and a $50,000 fine.

Directly affected

students eighteen years of age or older

Adult students gain the explicit legal right to possess, use in self-defense, and store nonlethal self-defense weapons in campus housing without facing university disciplinary action.

Key Facts

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is allowed to carry a nonlethal self-defense weapon under this bill?

Any person eighteen years of age or older who is lawfully present in the campus area of a state institution of higher education.

Can a state university require students to register their pepper spray or stun guns?

No. The bill explicitly prohibits state institutions of higher education from requiring individuals to register a or obtain prior approval.

What happens if a state college violates these rules?

The institution is guilty of improper interference with s on campus, which is a carrying a mandatory fifty thousand dollar fine.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

2 actions

May 20, 2026HouseCommittee
Referred to Public Safety
May 19, 2026HouseIntroduced
Introduced

Version history

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