OHIO — House Democrats unveiled Monday what they call a "commonsense gun safety package" that will require background checks and repeal Ohio's "stand your ground" bill that recently took effect.
“Ohioans have spoken loudly and clearly that we need to do something to end gun violence. Democrats are listening to you, the people of Ohio who overwhelmingly support commonsense solutions to keep our kids and communities safe. In the 20 months since Dayton, shootings have gone up, not down. We need reform now to ensure the promise of safety and security for all Ohioans,” said Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron).
The "stand your ground" bill, which was signed in December 2020 and took effect April 6, eliminated the state's "duty to retreat" principle, meaning legal gun owners will no longer have to retreat from a situation before hurting or killing someone in self-defense.
Democrats spoke out forcefully against the bill, claiming it allows the use of deadly force by individuals who believe their lives are endangered, no matter what the situation may be.
“Shoot first is dangerous legislation that makes us all less safe This same law in other states has led to an increase in legally-justified killings of Black people and a double-digit increase in homicides. Ohioans came together and urged us to do something after the Dayton shooting. This is the furthest thing from doing something. In fact, it will lead to more — not less — gun violence,” said Rep. Thomas West (D-Canton), who introduced HB 38 to repeal Ohio’s Shoot First law.
Other parts of the package include:
- Implement extreme risk protection orders
- Require safe, secure storage of firearms in homes with minors
- Allow Ohio citizens to decide what gun safety measures work for their communities
As for safe storage, the Ohio Democrats pointed to their bill that would restore local authority which would "allow citizens to decide what kind of gun safety measures make sense for their community empowers everyday Ohioans to help keep their kids and communities safe," said Rep. Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland).
But the introduction of the package comes as 14 Ohio Republicans back House Bill 62, which would allow the state to reject federal gun laws or any rulings lawmakers believe are threatening the Second Amendment.
The bill, dubbed "Designate Ohio a Second Amendement Sanctuary State," would not necessarily block federal laws, but put up barriers to challenge the enforcement of those laws.
The "commonsense gun safety package" comes after a long weekend of mass shootings, including one in Columbus, Ohio, where five people were injured and one person died during a vigil Saturday night.