COLUMBUS, Ohio — Democrats in the Ohio General Assembly are pushing forward with a new legislative proposal aimed at curbing gun violence within the state. House Bill 433, titled “Prohibit carrying mass casualty weapons,” seeks to implement a ban on assault weapons.
Under the provisions outlined in the bill, a mass casualty weapon is defined as “any semi-automatic firearm designed or specially adapted to fire more than thirty-one cartridges without reloading, other than a firearm chambering only .22 caliber short, long, or long-rifle cartridges.”
The initiative was spearheaded by Rep. Willis Blackshear, Jr. (D-38), who emphasized the urgent need for such measures in light of recent tragedies. Blackshear stated, “Banning mass casualty weapons is a commonsense measure that will prevent needless loss of life. In 2019, our community felt that loss with the horrific tragedy that took place in the Oregon district. There is no reason to have guns equipped with magazines that can hold 50, 70, or even 100 rounds. It’s time to take action and ban these weapons so that our communities can be safer.”
The impetus for the bill stems from the 2019 mass shooting incident in the Oregon District, where nine individuals lost their lives and many more were injured. Despite the swift response from law enforcement, the shooter was able to discharge 41 shots in just 32 seconds using a firearm equipped with a 100-round “double drum” magazine.
Former Dayton Police Chief Richard Biehl echoed the sentiment, advocating for reduced magazine sizes to facilitate law enforcement’s response to active shooter situations.
If passed, the legislation would reinstate Ohio’s pre-2015 prohibition on firearms capable of shooting more than 31 rounds without reloading. The bill now awaits committee assignment for further deliberation.
