Simone Lawson
On March 15, 2022, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill into law that permits Ohio residents to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Senate Bill 215 allows individuals aged 21 or above to carry a concealed gun unless prohibited by state or federal law. DeWine's decision has been praised by gun rights advocates, but condemned by gun control advocates, who argue that it will make communities less safe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Decision | March 15, 2022 |
| Decision | Signed a bill to allow Ohio residents to carry a concealed firearm without a permit |
| Bill Number | SB215 |
| Bill Provisions | Permits individuals aged 21 or above to carry a concealed gun unless prohibited by state or federal law; eliminates penalties for motorists who fail to inform law enforcement about carrying concealed firearms in their vehicles during traffic stops; makes a concealed handgun license optional; removes the duty to notify every officer working the scene about carrying a concealed weapon |
| Previous Position | Supported gun regulations, especially after the 2019 Dayton mass shooting; proposed a red flag law for Ohio that would allow courts to take guns from people seen as threats to others or themselves; embraced some controls on guns |
| Criticism | Decision is seen as a broken promise to reduce gun violence; criticized by police organizations and gun control advocates who believe it will make communities less safe |
| Supporters | Buckeye Firearms Association; gun-rights advocates; National Rifle Association (NRA) |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Mike DeWine signs bill making Ohio the 23rd Constitutional Carry State
- DeWine's decision goes against his previous stance on gun control
- The bill removes the need for a permit to carry a concealed firearm
- DeWine's decision was influenced by his reelection campaign
- Police groups and gun control advocates oppose the bill
Mike DeWine signs bill making Ohio the 23rd Constitutional Carry State
On March 14, 2022, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill that permits Ohio residents to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Senate Bill 215 allows individuals aged 21 or above to carry a concealed gun unless prohibited by state or federal law. The bill also eliminates penalties for motorists who fail to inform law enforcement about carrying concealed firearms in their vehicles during traffic stops.
DeWine's decision has been praised by gun rights advocates and groups such as the Buckeye Firearms Association and the National Rifle Association (NRA). Dean Rieck, executive director of the Buckeye Firearms Association, stated that DeWine fulfilled his campaign promise to sign a Constitutional Carry bill if it came across his desk. The NRA also expressed its gratitude to Governor DeWine for signing the bill, which they believe protects the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.
However, DeWine's decision has also faced criticism from gun control advocates and police groups who worry that less training will make communities less safe. Former Dayton Mayor and Democratic candidate for governor, Nan Whaley, accused DeWine of breaking his promise to reduce gun violence. Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters also criticized the move, stating that it would make all Ohioans less safe.
The timing of DeWine's decision is notable, as he is up for reelection this year and faces Republican primary challengers who are more supportive of relaxing gun regulations. While the bill has sparked debate, it represents a significant shift in Ohio's gun laws and makes Ohio the 23rd Constitutional Carry state in the nation.
Florida's Constitutional Concealed Carry: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
DeWine's decision goes against his previous stance on gun control
Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio signed a bill in March 2022, allowing Ohio residents aged 21 and above to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. The bill, known as Senate Bill 215, also eliminates the requirement for eight hours of training and a background check to carry a concealed weapon. This decision by DeWine has been criticized by some as a reversal of his previous stance on gun control.
DeWine has a history of flip-flopping on gun issues. While he initially supported background checks at gun shows and a ban on assault weapons, he later reinvented himself as more pro-Second Amendment and pro-gun. In 2018, he made written promises to the gun lobby, committing to support two major firearms bills if they reached his desk. One of these bills included allowing Ohio adults to carry concealed weapons without training or a background check. This was a significant shift from his earlier positions and indicated a willingness to prioritize the interests of gun rights advocates over those calling for stricter gun control measures.
Following the tragic Dayton mass shooting in 2019, which left nine people dead and wounded 27 others, DeWine proposed a red flag law for Ohio. This law would have allowed courts to take guns from people seen as threats to themselves or others. He also pushed for gun regulations in the wake of the shooting, indicating a recognition of the need for stricter gun control measures. However, his recent decision to sign Senate Bill 215 into law seems to contradict these previous efforts and suggests a shift back towards a more pro-gun stance.
DeWine's decision to sign the bill has been met with criticism from those who expected him to prioritize gun safety measures. Dion Green, whose father was killed in the Dayton shooting, expressed disappointment in DeWine, stating that the governor had promised action to prevent such tragedies from happening again. Other critics have accused DeWine of caving to extremists in the legislature and special interests, including the gun lobby. They argue that his decision to sign the bill puts all Ohioans at risk by making it easier for people to obtain and carry firearms without proper training and permits.
In conclusion, DeWine's decision to sign Senate Bill 215 goes against his previous stance on gun control, which included support for background checks and red flag laws. While he has defended his record on gun violence, citing his efforts to address repeat violent offenders and enhance sentencing, the signing of this bill sends a message that contradicts his earlier commitments to curb gun deaths and prioritize gun safety. The timing of this decision, with reelection on the horizon, further fuels the perception of a governor willing to sacrifice public safety to secure the support of gun rights supporters.
Concealed Carry in Colorado: Understanding Legal Notices
You may want to see also
The bill removes the need for a permit to carry a concealed firearm
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill that permits residents to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Senate Bill 215 permits individuals aged 21 or above to carry a concealed gun unless prohibited by state or federal law. This makes Ohio the 23rd US state to pass such legislation, known as a 'constitutional carry' or 'permitless carry' law.
Supporters of the bill argue that it allows law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment right to carry firearms without government interference. They claim that the previous requirement for a permit caused unnecessary delays and bureaucracy.
Opponents of the bill, such as Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters, argue that it will make Ohioans less safe. They also claim that DeWine caved to extremists and special interest groups by signing the bill.
Similar legislation has been passed in several other states, including Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, and Louisiana. These laws generally allow residents and non-residents over a certain age (usually 18 or 21) to carry concealed firearms without a permit, as long as they are legally allowed to possess a firearm.
Indiana Governor Signs Constitutional Carry: What's Next?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
DeWine's decision was influenced by his reelection campaign
Governor Mike DeWine's decision to sign the constitutional carry bill was influenced by several factors, including his reelection campaign. DeWine, a Republican, was facing a primary challenge from three other Republican candidates who were more supportive of relaxing gun regulations. With the Republican primary election approaching in May, DeWine's decision to sign the bill was likely influenced by a desire to appeal to the Republican base, which strongly supports gun rights.
In the past, DeWine had expressed support for gun control measures, particularly in the wake of mass shootings in Ohio. In 2019, he proposed a red flag law that would allow courts to take guns from people seen as threats to themselves or others, and he had also embraced his "STRONG Ohio" gun reform plan. However, with the 2022 election year approaching and facing a competitive primary, DeWine's priorities seemed to shift.
DeWine's decision to sign the constitutional carry bill was consistent with his campaign promises to gun rights advocacy groups, such as the Buckeye Firearms Association, and to Ohio's 4 million gun owners. By signing the bill, DeWine fulfilled his promise to support the Second Amendment and protect the rights of law-abiding citizens to carry firearms. This decision likely helped solidify support among gun rights supporters, a crucial constituency in the Republican primary.
However, DeWine's decision was not without controversy. It drew criticism from gun control advocates and police organizations, who argued that reducing training requirements and eliminating licensing mandates would make communities less safe. DeWine's signing of the bill was seen by some as a betrayal of his previous commitments to reduce gun violence, particularly in the wake of mass shootings like the one in Dayton, Ohio, in 2019.
In conclusion, while DeWine's decision to sign the constitutional carry bill may have been influenced by a range of factors, including his reelection campaign, it also highlighted the complex and often conflicting nature of the gun control debate in the United States. DeWine's decision ultimately prioritized the expansion of gun rights over other considerations, setting a new course for gun regulations in Ohio.
Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs: Cabinet's Role Explored
You may want to see also
Police groups and gun control advocates oppose the bill
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has faced opposition from police groups and gun control advocates for signing a bill that makes Ohio the 23rd "constitutional carry" state. The bill permits individuals aged 21 or above to carry a concealed gun without a permit, unless prohibited by state or federal law.
The decision has been criticized by police and gun control advocates, who argue that removing permits poses a safety risk to citizens and law enforcement officers. Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, stated that "gun violence goes up" when "states dismantle permitting systems and gut gun safety laws". Police groups have expressed concern that removing the permit requirement would deprive law enforcement departments of revenue from permit purchases. For example, in Alabama, the removal of legal penalties for carrying concealed firearms without a permit would result in a loss of approximately $75 in revenue for police departments.
In Tennessee, the Everytown for Gun Safety advocacy group released a mobile billboard highlighting police opposition to permitless gun carry legislation in the state. The billboard featured a picture of Lee, along with two police officers, and the message: "Our lawmakers claim to support law enforcement, but law enforcement doesn't support this. Oppose permitless carry." Several organizations in Tennessee have publicly opposed permitless carry, including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Sheriffs' Association, and the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police.
Indiana's state police superintendent, Doug Carter, also voiced his disapproval of the measure, stating that it "does not support law enforcement, period." The bill has been criticized for stripping the required eight hours of training and a license to carry a concealed firearm, which could make it harder for law enforcement officers to do their jobs effectively and put their lives at risk.
Diplomacy's Face: Cabinet's Key Role in Foreign Affairs
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, DeWine voted on constitutional carry.
DeWine supports constitutional carry. He voted in favour of the bill, signing it into law.
The bill removes the requirement for a permit or license to carry a concealed firearm. It also removes the need to disclose a firearm when stopped by police unless asked.
DeWine had promised during his campaign that he would sign the bill if it came to his desk. He also stated that he was listening to all those involved but that the final decision came down to him.
DeWine voted on and signed the constitutional carry bill in March 2022. The law went into effect on June 13, 2022.
