COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gun legislation remains a hot topic at the Ohio Statehouse.

Last week, legislation passed the Ohio House floor to allow people to carry concealed weapons in certain buildings that contain courtrooms. Meanwhile, another bill has been proposed that would add protections to the right to bear arms. All this comes as Democrats push for laws that make it tougher to buy a gun.


What You Need To Know

  • Various pieces of gun legislation are making their way through the House floor 

  • Legislation passed the House floor to carry concealed weapons in certain buildings that contain courtrooms

  • Democrats and Republicans have different views on guns 

Three Republican-sponsored bills making their way through the Ohio Statehouse could loosen Ohio’s gun restrictions even further.

"We voted on a lot of those and passed legislatures," said State Rep. Jason Stephens, R-Kitts Hill, Ohio House Speaker. "So, you know, as they come up and they have the votes, we will consider each one separately." 

Last week, two of the bills passed a chamber inside the Statehouse. The Ohio House approving one that allows people to carry concealed weapons inside buildings that contain courtrooms as along as court is not in session. Meanwhile, the Senate passed a bill that would stop gun owners from having to pay for firearms liability insurance, and the Second Amendment Preservation Act is making its way through hearings.

That bill would take power away from local police agencies when it comes to enforcing federal gun laws. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats are pushing back introducing legislation that they say would prevent gun violence. The package of bills targets firearm storage, meantal health, domestic abusers and background checks. 

"We have been working behind the scenes on these bills, and bringing them forward together to provide some kind of balance to the conversation when with regards to gun safety, we've brought forward things that have been supported across party lines in other states," said State Sen. Nicki Antonio, D-Lakewood, Senate Minority Leader.

"Democrats continue to focus on redistricting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Ohioans," said John Fortney, Spokesperson of the Ohio Senate Caucus. "Instead focusing on the real problems of prosecuting violent crime and keeping offenders in prison."