Ohio SB 214: Suppressor and SBR Bill Heads to the Governor

Ohio is one step away from changing how state law treats suppressors and short-barreled guns. On Nov. 10, 2026, the Ohio House passed a substitute version of Senate Bill 214, 69–27, and the Senate agreed to the House changes the same day, 21–9.

It is not law yet. The bill next goes to Gov. Mike DeWine. Under the Ohio Constitution, he can sign it or veto it, and if he doesn't act within 10 days (Sundays excepted) after it is presented to him, it becomes law without his signature. A law like this one, which has no emergency clause, doesn't take effect until 90 days after the governor files it with the Secretary of State.

What SB 214 would change#

Under current Ohio law, a firearm muffler or suppressor and a "sawed-off firearm" are both "dangerous ordnance." Ohio's "sawed-off firearm" definition covers a shotgun with a barrel under 18 inches, a rifle with a barrel under 16 inches, or either one under 26 inches overall, which is how Ohio law reaches short-barreled rifles (SBRs) and short-barreled shotguns (SBSs).

The version headed to the governor amends Revised Code sections 1533.04, 2923.11, 2923.12 and 2923.17. Its official title says it would "remove firearm mufflers and suppressors and sawed-off firearms from the classification of dangerous ordnance."

The version the Senate passed in March covered only suppressors. The House added sawed-off firearms, which is why SBRs and SBSs are now part of the bill.

Why it matters right now#

Today, Ohio law makes it a crime to knowingly acquire, have, carry or use dangerous ordnance unless an exception applies, and one exception covers items registered in the federal NFA registry. After ATF stopped enforcing, effective Oct. 9, 2026, the National Firearms Act requirement that people get its approval before making or transferring short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns or suppressors, Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson asked lawmakers on Oct. 23 to clarify the law or drop the state registration requirement, warning that confusion could lead owners to break Ohio law without realizing it. If it becomes law, SB 214 would take suppressors, SBRs and SBSs out of that dangerous-ordnance framework under Ohio law.

What doesn't change#

• Federal law still applies. SB 214 changes Ohio law only. It doesn't change the National Firearms Act. See our ATF NFA guidance explainer.
• Until the new law takes effect, Ohio's current dangerous-ordnance rules, including the NFA-registration exception, still apply.
• Machine guns, explosives and other dangerous ordnance aren't part of this change.

We'll update our Ohio gun laws page and the pending laws tracker when the governor acts. This is general information, not legal advice; for your own situation, talk with a licensed Ohio attorney.