Simone Lawson
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed a bill allowing Ohio residents 21 and older to carry a concealed firearm without a permit or training. The bill, known as Senate Bill 215, eliminates the requirement for eight hours of gun safety training and a background check to carry a concealed weapon. While some have praised the bill as a victory for Second Amendment rights, others have criticized it as a dangerous piece of legislation that will lead to more gun violence. DeWine has been accused of putting his own political interests ahead of the safety of his constituents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Bill | Senate Bill 215 |
| Signed by | Ohio Governor Mike DeWine |
| Date signed | March 14, 2022 |
| Bill introduced by | Republican state Sen. Terry Johnson |
| Bill allows | Carrying a concealed gun without a permit or training |
| Age requirement | 21 or older |
| Background check | Not required |
| Gun safety training | Not required |
| Informing law enforcement about the gun | Not required unless specifically asked |
| Previous rating by NRA | "F" |
| Criticism | The bill will make everyone in communities, including police officers, less safe |
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What You'll Learn
Mike DeWine's history with gun legislation
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has a history of flip-flopping on gun issues. While in Congress, DeWine supported background checks at gun shows and an assault weapons ban. In 2002, a Columbus Dispatch article described DeWine as a "Republican who's not afraid to stand up to the National Rifle Association (NRA)", and the NRA gave him an "F" rating.
However, DeWine's stance on gun control began to shift in the following years. In 2012, after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, DeWine supported efforts to arm teachers. In 2018, DeWine was under pressure from his Republican opponents to sign the concealed carry changes into law, and he did so 50 days before the May 3rd primary.
In March 2022, DeWine signed Senate Bill 215, which allows Ohio residents 21 and older to carry concealed firearms without training or permits. This bill was introduced by Republican state Sen. Terry Johnson, who said it eliminates a discrepancy in Ohio law that allowed people to openly carry guns but made it illegal to conceal them. Gun owners can still apply for concealed weapons permits, which are required to carry concealed weapons in states with reciprocity agreements.
The bill was criticised by police unions, the Ohio Democratic Party, and gun control advocates, who argued that it would make the state less safe and lead to more deaths from gun violence. DeWine was accused of caving in to "special interest groups and extremists" and breaking his pledge to curb gun deaths and reduce gun violence. However, DeWine's office defended his record on gun violence, highlighting his support for stricter gun laws following the 2019 Dayton mass shooting, where he unveiled a proposal for background checks, harsher penalties for felons, and a "red flag" law to remove guns from those with mental health or violence issues.
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The bill's impact on public safety
On March 15, 2022, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 215, allowing Ohio residents 21 and older to carry concealed firearms without a permit or training. The bill was introduced by Republican state Senator Terry Johnson, who said it eliminates a discrepancy in Ohio law that allowed people to openly carry guns.
The bill has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising it as a victory for Second Amendment rights and others criticizing it as a threat to public safety.
Supporters of the bill argue that it restores Ohioans' Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms. They believe that responsible gun owners should not be punished for lawfully practicing their constitutional rights. The Buckeye Firearms Association, a gun rights advocacy group, celebrated the bill's signing, with executive director Dean Rieck stating, "This is a day that will go down in history."
On the other hand, critics argue that the bill could make the state less safe by increasing the number of people carrying guns without proper training. Police unions and gun control advocates have expressed concern that the bill could lead to more gun violence and put police officers and the public at risk. They argue that the bill goes against DeWine's pledge to curb gun deaths and ignores the impact of gun violence on communities.
Research on the effects of concealed-carry laws provides some insights into the potential impact on public safety. Studies suggest that more permissive concealed-carry laws may increase criminal access to guns through theft, potentially leading to an increase in the use of guns in criminal activity. Additionally, while defensive gun use in certain incidents may reduce the likelihood of death or injury to potential victims, the widespread prevalence of guns may have a detrimental effect on public safety.
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The bill's reception
The bill was received with a mixed response. On one hand, it was praised by gun rights advocates and supporters of the Second Amendment. Dean Rieck, executive director of the Buckeye Firearms Association, celebrated the bill's signing, calling it "a great moment for Ohio and for those who wish to more fully exercise their constitutional right to keep and bear arms." State Sen. Terry Johnson, who introduced the bill, echoed similar sentiments, stating that it was a significant step in restoring Ohioans' Second Amendment rights.
On the other hand, the bill also faced strong criticism from those concerned about gun violence and public safety. Some argued that the bill would make communities and law enforcement officers less safe. Nan Whaley, a former Dayton mayor and gubernatorial candidate, accused Gov. DeWine of breaking his promise to reduce gun violence and putting "primary politics ahead of Ohioans." Similarly, John Cranley, a former Cincinnati mayor, warned that the bill would "lead to killings."
The timing of the bill's signing also raised concerns, as it occurred shortly after a series of shootings in Columbus and amid a national debate over gun control. Critics questioned Gov. DeWine's motivation, suggesting that he was prioritizing his political interests and reelection campaign over the safety of his constituents.
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The bill's potential impact on DeWine's reelection
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's signing of the constitutional carry bill, Senate Bill 215, allowing Ohio residents 21 and older to carry concealed firearms without a permit or training, has been met with a divided response. While some praised the bill as a victory for Second Amendment rights and a fulfilment of DeWine's campaign promise, others criticized it as a dangerous decision that could increase gun violence and put lives at risk.
The potential impact of this bill on DeWine's reelection prospects is multifaceted. On the one hand, by signing the bill, DeWine fulfilled a campaign promise he made to the Buckeye Firearms Association and Ohio's 4 million gun owners. This decision could solidify support for him among gun rights advocates, particularly in the Republican primary, which could be crucial for his reelection bid.
However, the bill has also drawn intense criticism from various quarters, including police unions, gun control advocates, and political opponents. They argue that the bill could make Ohio less safe and that DeWine has prioritized politics over the safety of Ohioans. The timing of the bill's signing, just days after a series of shootings in Columbus, has also been questioned.
DeWine's history of flip-flopping on gun issues further complicates the matter. While he once supported measures to curb gun violence, such as background checks and a ban on assault weapons, his stance has shifted over time to become more pro-Second Amendment and pro-gun. This evolution may impact voters' perceptions of his trustworthiness and consistency on gun policy.
Ultimately, the bill's impact on DeWine's reelection will depend on how Ohioans weigh their priorities. While some may appreciate his support for gun rights, others may be concerned about the potential consequences of easing restrictions on concealed carry permits and training requirements. The bill has provided ammunition for both DeWine's supporters and detractors, and it remains to be seen how it will influence the outcome of the election.
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The bill's implications for gun safety training
On March 15, 2022, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 215, which allows anyone 21 or older who is legally allowed to have a gun to carry a concealed handgun without a permit or training. The bill was introduced by Republican state Senator Terry Johnson, who said it eliminates a discrepancy in Ohio law that allowed people to openly carry guns but not concealed ones.
Secondly, the bill's passage suggests a shift in priorities towards unrestrained gun ownership and the Second Amendment right to bear arms, rather than focusing on responsible gun ownership and public safety. This shift could lead to a decrease in the overall safety of the community, as individuals with no training or unsafe practices can now carry concealed weapons.
Additionally, the bill's impact on law enforcement should be considered. Police officers will now encounter more individuals carrying concealed weapons, potentially making it challenging to distinguish between law-abiding citizens and those with harmful intentions. This dynamic may hinder their ability to effectively protect and serve the public.
While some celebrate the bill as a victory for Second Amendment rights, critics argue that it undermines gun safety and could lead to tragic consequences. The elimination of training requirements means that individuals may not fully understand the safe use and storage of firearms, potentially endangering themselves and those around them. Only time will tell the full impact of this bill on gun safety and the well-being of Ohio's communities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, on March 14, 2022, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the constitutional carry bill into law.
The bill, known as Senate Bill 215, allows Ohio residents 21 and older to carry a concealed firearm without a permit or training. It also removes the requirement to inform law enforcement officers of the concealed weapon during traffic stops unless specifically asked.
DeWine has faced criticism from gun control advocates and some law enforcement officials, who argue that the bill will make communities and police officers less safe. However, the bill has been praised by gun rights groups, who see it as a victory for Second Amendment rights.
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