Columbus, OH -- Ohio's 132nd General Assembly kicked off their lame duck session by passing a version of the controversial stand-your ground bill.

The law establishes the right for a person to use lethal force against a perceived threat - even when retreat is an option.

According to the American Bar Association, more than half of the states in the US have some form of stand your ground legislation.

Ohio's version boils down to removing the duty to retreat, or back down.

  • House Bill 228 cleared the house in a 65-32 vote
  • Bill would shift burden of proof from individual to prosecutor
  • Reduces some offenses of illegally carrying a concealed firearm

House Minority Leader Fred Strahorn says, today's bill might do more harm than good.  Adding, the current laws in place are comprehensive enough.  "It does say, if you can remove yourself from a situation without putting you or your family in danger, you have a duty to do that.  You have a duty to retreat, and deescalate a situation, and if you can't you have a right to defend yourself.  That is an absolutely great standard to have.  By removing it, you're going to encourage aggression, and violence."

The bill now heads to Governor Kasich's desk - where he will likely veto it, as he has in the past.  In that case, the legislature will likely re-introduce the bill back next session - where it's fate will be in the hands of Governor-elect Mike DeWine.