Employment Law Report

Employers should take note of upcoming changes to Ohio’s law about carrying concealed weapons (CCW). Beginning March 21, 2017, the amended CCW laws eliminate a number of “gun free zones,” such as airports (outside the secure area), specific school zones, and certain public buildings. The amended law also grants colleges and universities the authority to allow people to legally possess concealed firearms.

The change has a major impact on employers. It provides that employers may not prohibit an employee who carries a CCW license from transporting or storing a firearm or ammunition inside the employee’s vehicle on company property. Employers who maintain a “No Weapons” policy that prohibits employees from possessing a firearm on company property (including parking lots) should revisit those policies, with the assistance of legal counsel, to assure they are in compliance with the amended law.