The Keep Them Safe Act amends sections 4501.11 and 5503.02 of the Revised Code and enacts section 2923.26, which establishes a framework for the storage of firearms by owners or authorized individuals with federally licensed firearms dealers or law enforcement agencies. This new section defines key terms and outlines the conditions for firearm storage, including compliance with federal laws and immunity from liability for dealers and law enforcement agencies regarding the storage and return of firearms. The bill also modifies existing provisions related to the security, investigations, and policing fund, allowing funds to be used for the security of eligible individuals and major criminal investigations, while ensuring confidentiality for firearm storage applications.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new security provisions for major political party candidates for governor and lieutenant governor in Ohio, allowing the State Highway Patrol to create an executive protection unit for these candidates and their families leading up to the 2026 general election. It allocates $10 million from the General Revenue Fund for these security efforts, with $2 million designated for local law enforcement reimbursements. The superintendent of the State Highway Patrol is granted authority to assign troopers to the protection unit, conduct major criminal investigations, and purchase or lease property as necessary, while repealing existing sections of the Revised Code to streamline the legal framework for state officials' security and the operations of the State Highway Patrol.

Statutes affected:
As Passed By House: 4501.11, 5503.02
As Enrolled: 4501.11, 5503.02