Overview. Employees with valid concealed weapons permits now have the right to bring their licensed firearms into company parking lots. Employers can still prohibit employees from carrying weapons into company-owned buildings and in company-owned vehicles.
The Details. Ohio’s new gun law expands the rights of concealed weapon permit holders and broadens the scope of places where they may carry firearms and ammunition. A practice previously prohibited in many employer policies, the new law now gives permit holders the right to bring their licensed firearms into company parking lots. Indeed, employer policies can no longer ban an individual with a valid concealed handgun license from transporting or storing a firearm or ammunition inside his or her privately-owned vehicle if: (1) the firearm and ammunition are stored in a locked trunk, glove box, or enclosed compartment in the vehicle when the employee is not in the vehicle; (2) the firearm and ammunition remain in the vehicle when the individual is in the vehicle; and (3) the vehicle is parked in a permitted location. Employers can still prohibit employees, as well as customers and other third parties, from carrying weapons into company-owned buildings or in company-owned vehicles.
Notably, the law also provides immunity for employers whose employees bring concealed weapons on the premises. Specifically, unless an employer acts with “malicious purpose,” it will not be found liable in a civil lawsuit for any injury, death, or loss of life or property caused by or related to the fact that the firearm was brought on to company property.
Call to Action. Employers should review their policy (Weapons in the Workplace) to ensure that it allows individuals with valid Ohio concealed carry licenses to bring their weapons to work so long as they remain locked in their privately-owned vehicles consistent with the provisions detailed above. Employers may wish to consider adding a provision indicating where employees who are permit holders are permitted to park their cars in the company lot. Policies should also clearly state an employer’s position with respect to the carrying of weapons in company owned buildings and/or company vehicles.
As always, please contact your Relationship Manager or Service Team if you have any questions.