Ohio Home Rule Update

The Associated Press is reporting that a state appeals court has ruled that Ohio towns can require police officers, firefighters and other employees to live within the city limits. It's the first time that an appeals court has ruled against a 2006 state law that blocked cities from imposing residency requirements.

This has potential implications for the general law passed by the Ohio General Assembly earlier this year, putting all firearms regulations in the hands of state lawmakers. Local municipalities, which have repeatedly abused their home rule powers to regulate firearms ownership, among other self-defense related issues, say the state law is in conflict with their home rule powers.a