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HB 373OHIOSession 136State Billin committee

High Impact

Ohio Bill HB 373 Mandates Universal Background Checks for Private Firearm Transfers

Original title: Enact the Universal Background Checks Act

Last action · September 15, 2025: Referred to Public SafetySponsors: Phillip M. Robinson, Jr. and 25 others

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Law

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What This Bill Would Do

This bill requires all private firearm transfers between individuals who are not federally licensed dealers to be conducted through a licensed dealer or a law enforcement agency, including a background check. Unlicensed transferors and transferees who violate this requirement face misdemeanor charges and mandatory fines.

Why it matters

Private firearm transactions that previously occurred without background checks must now involve a federally licensed dealer or law enforcement agency, impacting how private citizens buy, sell, or transfer firearms in the state and introducing new misdemeanor penalties for non-compliance.

Background

Under prior Ohio law, background checks were strictly required for firearm purchases from federally licensed dealers, while private person-to-person sales did not mandate background checks or dealer mediation. context

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

Unlicensed transferors

Must route private firearm transfers through a licensed dealer or law enforcement agency and ensure background checks are performed.

Directly affected

Unlicensed transferees

Must undergo background and incompetency records checks when receiving a firearm from an unlicensed source.

Directly affected

Federally licensed firearms dealers

Authorized to assist in private transfers, conduct required background and records checks, and collect processing fees.

Directly affected

Law enforcement agencies

May agree to assist in firearm transfers by running background checks, verifying identity, and providing notices.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this bill apply to transactions between family members or private individuals?

Yes. Private individuals who are not federally licensed dealers must conduct their firearm transfers through a licensed dealer, a law enforcement agency, or qualify for a specific statutory exception such as certain temporary transfers or loans.

Can dealers or law enforcement charge a fee for processing these transfers?

Yes. A or law enforcement agency processing a transfer under this section may assess and collect a fee not to exceed ten dollars per firearm.

What are the penalties for violating the universal background check requirements?

A reckless violation is an illegal transfer of a firearm, categorized as a fourth-degree misdemeanor for a first offense, a second-degree misdemeanor for a second offense, and a first-degree misdemeanor for three or more offenses.

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

Sep 15, 2025HouseCommittee
Referred to Public Safety
Jun 23, 2025HouseIntroduced
Introduced

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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