COLUMBUS, Ohio — In response to increased gun violence in the Buckeye State, several Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation in efforts to curb the number of shootings in the state.
Last week, Ohio House Democrats introduced five pieces of legislation aimed at curbing gun violence. The bills were introduced during the inaugural Gun Violence Prevention Summit in Columbus.
One proposed bill would help repeal the state’s open carry law. In June 2022, Senate Bill 215 went into effect, allowing all Ohioans who can legally own a gun to open carry their weapon without a permit. The bill was passed against the wishes of several law enforcement agencies, organizations, and officers.
State Reps. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) and Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati) say their bill would rename concealed handgun licenses as basic competency licenses; require individuals to follow the basic training and regulations, as outlined in the ORC when obtaining a license to carry a concealed handgun; require individuals who are carrying a concealed handgun to notify law enforcement that they are carrying a concealed handgun during a traffic stop.
“While it is every lawful American’s right to keep and bear arms for self-defense, there is no constitutional right to bear concealed weapons,” said Rep. Brown. “Owning a firearm and carrying it in a concealed fashion comes with certain responsibilities and obligations to the public, including being properly trained in the use of firearms.”
“Average Ohioans and law enforcement agree you should need a permit to carry a concealed weapon,” said Rep. Isaacsohn. “Ohioans deserve to feel safe in public and that means passing commonsense legislation like the bill we are proposing.”
In addition, Representatives Michele Grim (D-Toledo) and Munira Adullahi (D-Columbus) introduced legislation that would stop anyone with a domestic violence conviction from owning a gun. “House Democrats believe there are better solutions to address this public health crisis. These solutions are commonsense, supported across party lines, and most importantly, put people first,” said Rep. Grim. Grim has been an advocate for Red Flag Laws. Last year a measure was introduced that would allow families to step in if a loved one was experiencing a mental health crisis and prevent them from purchasing a firearm. The bill was stalled out in committee as chairperson Bob Peterson refused to allow another hearing on the bill.
Representative Darnell Brewer (D-Cleveland) sponsored an act that would declare gun violence a public health crisis in Ohio.
Locally, since the end of 2022, there have been over 50 shootings in the city of Chillicothe. The last being a triple shooting in December that left one person dead and two others injured. Following the shooting, local community advocate Jason Salley asked Chillicothe City Council during their first session of the new year to take the problem of gun violence in Chillicothe seriously. “We have an epidemic of gun violence in our community,” said Salley as he addressed council holding an evidence bag from the Chillicothe Police Department. One of the individuals injured in the shooting was Salley’s 18-year-old niece. Salley has launched a community forum called Citizens United For Change to address the ongoing issues of crime and violence within the city of Chillicothe.
Additionally, Reps. Dani Isaacsohn and Phil Robinson have also proposed universal background checks for gun ownership in the state.
As debates on gun control continue, it’s evident that comprehensive legislative efforts and grassroots initiatives are essential for addressing the complex issue of gun violence in Ohio and safeguarding the well-being of its residents.
