A Sig Sauer P320 handgun is held by a Maine gun shop owner, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

This week, Ohio state Sen. Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) introduced legislation to allow people as young as 18 years old to legally purchase handguns, which would violate federal gun laws.

Johnson introduced Senate Bill 303 last Tuesday, which would lower the age to legally purchase a handgun from federally licensed firearms dealers from 21 to 18 and does not require firearm safety training.The bill would also violate the Gun Control Act of 1968, which prohibits licensed firearms dealers from selling handguns to anyone under the age of 21.

Johnson did not immediately respond to a request to comment on the purpose of his legislation, and whether the recent state of both gun violence and political violence was a factor when he wrote the bill.

Democratic Response

State Rep. Darnell Brewer (D-Cleveland) voiced opposition to SB 303 for lowering the age requirement and not requiring firearm safety training in an emailed statement to Heartland Signal. 

“This isn’t about restricting rights — it’s about reinforcing responsibility. I proudly support the Second Amendment and uphold the traditions of sportsmanship, hunting, and personal defense that firearms represent,” Brewer said in a statement. “However, rights and ownership of a firearm come with responsibilities, and responsible ownership starts with proper training, education, and secure storage. If we trust our young people enough to handle firearms, we should also trust them enough to teach them first — to ensure they understand the power, the consequences, and the responsibility that accompany that right.”

According to Rockefeller Institute of Government, handguns are the most commonly used firearm during mass shootings. There have also been 89 mass shootings conducted by individuals under the age of 20 dating back to 1968.

SB 303 is the latest of several GOP-led challenges to the 1968 federal law. In January, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the provision, allowing 18-20-year-olds to purchase handguns in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. However, the provision was upheld in the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals last November and in the 4th Circuit earlier this year, creating conflicting rulings in different parts of the country.