Jonah Patel
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the Senate Bill 215 into law, making Ohio the 23rd US state to allow its residents to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. The bill permits individuals aged 21 or above to carry a concealed gun unless prohibited by federal or state law. DeWine's decision has been praised by the National Rifle Association (NRA) and Second Amendment supporters, but it has also received criticism from gun control advocates and law enforcement organizations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Bill | Senate Bill 215 |
| Signed by | Ohio Governor Mike DeWine |
| Date | March 15, 2022 |
| Effect | Allows Ohio residents aged 21 and above to carry a concealed firearm without a permit |
| Supporters | National Rifle Association (NRA), Second Amendment supporters, Buckeye Firearms Association |
| Opposition | Oregon District shooting survivor Dion Green, Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters, Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9 |
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What You'll Learn
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the bill
On March 15, 2022, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 215, making Ohio the 23rd constitutional carry state. The bill allows Ohio residents aged 21 and older to carry concealed firearms without a permit.
The bill also eliminates penalties for motorists who fail to inform law enforcement about carrying concealed firearms in their vehicles during traffic stops. However, drivers still must inform the officer if they are carrying a gun when asked. DeWine's decision has been praised by the National Rifle Association (NRA) and Second Amendment supporters, who argue that it allows law-abiding citizens to exercise their right to carry guns without dealing with government red tape and delays.
However, the bill has also faced criticism from gun control advocates and law enforcement organizations, who argue that it will make it more difficult for officers to ensure safety. They also claim that it sends a message that the lives lost to gun violence in the state do not matter. The Ohio Democratic Party Chair, Elizabeth Walters, called the bill a sign of DeWine "caving to extremists in the legislature and special interests."
This is the second law DeWine has signed in recent years that has been praised by Second Amendment supporters. In 2021, he signed the "Stand Your Ground" law, which also drew criticism. DeWine has been accused of flip-flopping on gun issues, as he previously supported background checks at gun shows and a ban on assault weapons.
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The bill removes the need for a concealed carry permit
On March 15, 2022, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 215, making Ohio the 23rd US state to allow constitutional carry. The bill removes the requirement for a concealed carry permit, allowing individuals over the age of 21 to carry a concealed firearm without a permit, unless prohibited by state or federal law.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) praised DeWine for signing the bill, claiming that it protects the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Ohio citizens. The bill's supporters argue that it allows residents to exercise their right to carry guns without dealing with government bureaucracy and delays.
However, critics, including the Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters, have expressed concerns about public safety. They argue that the bill's passage will make Ohio a more dangerous place and that it is a concession to extremists in the legislature and special interests.
The bill also eliminates penalties for motorists who fail to disclose to law enforcement that they are carrying a concealed firearm during traffic stops. While drivers are still required to inform officers if they have a gun when asked, they are no longer required to proactively disclose this information.
The debate around constitutional carry, also known as permitless carry or unrestricted carry, centres on the interpretation of the Second Amendment right to bear arms. While supporters argue for unrestricted gun ownership, critics worry about the potential impact on public safety and the burden placed on law enforcement.
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The bill was praised by 2nd Amendment supporters
Senate Bill 215, or the "Constitutional Carry" law, was signed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in March 2022. The bill removes the requirement for gun owners to obtain a permit to carry a concealed firearm. It also eliminates penalties for motorists who fail to inform law enforcement about carrying concealed firearms in their vehicles during traffic stops.
The National Rifle Association (NRA), a prominent pro-gun organisation, expressed its gratitude to Governor DeWine for signing the bill. In a statement, the NRA said that the bill "protects the Second Amendment in Ohio for the benefit of law-abiding individuals." The Buckeye Firearms Association, another pro-gun group, also supported the bill, stating that Governor DeWine fulfilled his campaign promise to uphold the Second Amendment.
In addition to the NRA and the Buckeye Firearms Association, other pro-gun individuals and organisations likely praised the bill. Gun rights supporters saw Governor DeWine's decision as a victory for their cause and a step towards strengthening the Second Amendment. They argued that the bill promotes personal freedom and self-defence rights, allowing responsible gun owners to protect themselves and their families without unnecessary government interference.
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The bill was criticised for ignoring gun violence
On March 15, 2022, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 215, which permits individuals over the age of 21 to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. The bill was criticised for ignoring gun violence and for endangering the safety of Ohioans.
Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters claimed that DeWine's decision to sign the bill into law was a sign of his capitulation to "extremists in the legislature and special interests". Walters also asserted that the bill would make Ohio a less safe place to live. The bill eliminates penalties for motorists who fail to inform law enforcement officers about carrying concealed firearms in their vehicles during traffic stops.
The bill was also criticised on Twitter, with some users expressing concern about the dangers of allowing people with mental illnesses to purchase guns, and the influence of lobbyists on legislators.
In contrast, the National Rifle Association (NRA) praised Governor DeWine for signing the bill, claiming that it protected the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.
The signing of the bill by Governor DeWine highlights the ongoing debate surrounding gun control and the Second Amendment in the United States. While supporters of the bill argue that it upholds the constitutional right to bear arms, critics argue that it ignores the issue of gun violence and prioritises gun rights over public safety.
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The bill was signed into law on a Monday
On Monday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill into law that permits Ohio residents aged 21 and older to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. The bill, known as Senate Bill 215, allows individuals who are legally able to own or carry a gun to do so without having to inform anyone. This includes motorists who fail to inform law enforcement about carrying concealed firearms in their vehicles during traffic stops.
The signing of the bill into law has received mixed reactions. Supporters of the Second Amendment argue that it allows law-abiding citizens to exercise their right to carry guns without dealing with government red tape and delays. The National Rifle Association's (NRA) lobbying arm expressed its gratitude to Governor DeWine for signing the bill, which they believe protects the Second Amendment in Ohio for law-abiding individuals.
However, there has also been criticism of the bill. The Ohio Democratic Party Chair, Elizabeth Walters, claimed that DeWine's decision to sign the bill into law is a sign of caving to extremists in the legislature and special interests. She also stated that this move would make all Ohioans less safe. Gun control advocates, including Oregon District shooting survivor Dion Green, have also spoken out against the legislation.
The timing of the bill becoming law is notable, as Governor DeWine is up for reelection this year. By signing the bill, he has fulfilled a campaign promise to the Buckeye Firearms Association and Ohio's 4 million gun owners. However, some believe that he has broken his pledge to the crowd of mourners in Dayton, where a mass shooting took place in 2019, to take action to reduce gun violence.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio signed the constitutional carry bill into law on Monday, March 15, 2022.
The bill, known as SB 215, allows Ohio residents aged 21 and older to carry concealed firearms without a permit or training. It also eliminates penalties for motorists who fail to inform law enforcement about carrying concealed firearms during traffic stops.
The bill has received mixed reactions. It has been praised by 2nd Amendment supporters and the National Rifle Association (NRA), who thanked Governor DeWine for signing this "important" and "critical" bill. However, it has also been criticized by gun control advocates, law enforcement organizations, and those who believe it will make Ohioans less safe.
