OHIO LEGISLATIVE SERVICE COMMISSION
Office of Research Legislative Budget
www.lsc.ohio.gov and Drafting Office
H.J.R. 5 Bill Analysis
135th General Assembly
Click here for H.J.R. 5’s Fiscal Note
Version: As Reported by House Energy and Natural Resources
Primary Sponsors: Reps. Ferguson and Santucci
Effective Date:
Amanda Goodman, Attorney
SUMMARY
 Proposes to amend the Ohio Constitution to establish a constitutional right to hunt, fish,
and harvest wildlife that are traditionally pursued.
 Specifies that this right is subject only to the authority of the General Assembly to enact
laws concerning the promotion of wildlife conservation and management and the
preservation of the future of hunting and fishing.
 Specifies that nothing in the amendment limits the application of any laws or the Ohio
Constitution as they relate to trespass or property rights.
DETAILED ANALYSIS
Constitutional right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife
The resolution proposes to amend the Ohio Constitution to establish a constitutional
right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife that are traditionally pursued (including the right to use
traditional methods). This right is subject only to the authority of the General Assembly to enact
law concerning the promotion of wildlife conservation and management and the preservation
of the future of hunting and fishing. The amendment also specifies all of the following:
1. The right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife is a valued part of Ohio’s heritage and will be
forever preserved for the public good;
2. Hunting and fishing is a preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife; and
3. Nothing in the amendment limits the application of any laws or the Ohio Constitution as
they relate to trespass or property rights.1
1 Section 23 of Article 1.
January 2, 2024
Office of Research and Drafting LSC Legislative Budget Office
Election and effective date
The resolution specifies that the amendment will be submitted to the electors at the
general election to be held on November 5, 2024. If adopted by a majority of electors voting on
it, the amendment takes effect immediately.
HISTORY
Action Date
Introduced 10-03-23
Reported, H. Energy & Natural Resources 12-13-23
ANHJR0005RH-135/ks
P a g e |2 H.J.R. 5
As Reported by House Energy and Natural Resources