COLUMBUS – Amid a spike in gun violence in Columbus and other Ohio cities, Democrats in the state House Monday unveiled a package of what they call “commonsense” gun safety measures, including universal background checks and repeal of Ohio’s new “no duty to retreat” bill.
The minority Democrats presented a group of bills they say will curb gun violence and save lives
The measures include requiring universal background checks on all gun purchases and repeal of the state’s newly-enacted “no duty to retreat” law, which permits the use of deadly force by anyone who believes their lives are endangered anywhere in the state, not just in their homes or vehicles.
So-called “shoot first” legislation has led to an increase in killings of Black people and a dramatic increase in the number of homicides, Rep. Thomas West (D-Canton) said.
Another provision would implement extreme risk protection orders. Also known as “red flag” laws, they allow courts to intervene in cases where family members believe someone in possession of a firearm may be a danger.
“In many instances of gun violence, there were clear warning signs that the shooter posed a serious risk to themselves or others. Extreme risk protection orders save lives by providing a clear process for intervention and giving families and law enforcement time to quickly intervene before those warning signs escalate into tragedies, while also respecting Second Amendment and due process rights,” said Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington), who sponsored the measure.
A similar law is in effect in Indiana, where a gunman killed eight people at a FedEx facility last week with guns he purchased legally, despite having come to the attention of police months earlier.
The Democrats’ proposals also require safe storage of firearms in homes with minors and allow municipalities to pass their own gun-control legislation.
The lawmakers say their proposals have the support of a large number of Ohioans.