Explanation
The purpose of this ordinance is to amend sections of the Columbus City Codes to clarify the language regarding imitation firearms, including references to federal laws and regulations on this topic, to make it abundantly clear that the only items being regulated are those which truly look like a real gun. The changes also make it clear that provision of an imitation firearm to a minor in conjunction with a theatrical production or at a paintball facility is not prohibited. The ordinance adds an exception to the provisions regarding furnishing of imitation firearms to minors when it is done in conjunction with a theatrical production or at a shooting range/paintball facility or when the imitation firearms are a wholly bright color, transparent, or translucent. The ordinance also incorporates the federal code reference into the provisions describing alteration of an imitation firearm and includes an exemption from the unlawful display of an imitation firearm in public where the imitation firearm does have the federal markings and those markings have not been concealed. Finally, the ordinance includes within the exemptions for use in public, use at a paintball facility or in conjunction with law enforcement training.
Emergency action is requested to allow this ordinance to become effective in conjunction with Ord. 1117-2018 regarding imitation firearms.
Title
To amend sections 2323.51, 2323.52, 2323.53, and 2323.54 of the Columbus City Codes to clarify the language regarding the definition of an imitation firearm and the provision and display of those devices; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, imitation firearms are virtually indistinguishable from real weapons and can be marketed toward children; and
WHEREAS, it is the intention of City Council to specifically regulate imitation firearms that look like a real firearm
WHEREAS, markings and identifiers that indicate a firearm is a replica are easily removed or altered to make the imitat...
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