Simone Lawson
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill allowing Ohio residents to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Senate Bill 215 permits individuals aged 21 or above to carry a concealed gun unless the state or federal law prohibits them from doing so. DeWine's decision makes Ohio the 23rd constitutional carry state. The bill was opposed by several groups, including the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio and multiple county sheriffs, who argue that it will increase the vulnerability of Ohioans and law enforcement officials to gun violence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Bill | Senate Bill 215 |
| Signed by | Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio |
| Date of signing | Monday, March 15, 2022 |
| Effective date | June 13, 2022 |
| Key Provisions | Permits individuals aged 21 or above to carry a concealed firearm without a license or training |
| Eliminates penalties for motorists who fail to inform law enforcement about carrying concealed firearms during traffic stops | |
| Removes background check requirements for most firearm purchases | |
| Support | Buckeye Firearms Association, National Rifle Association, Ohio's 4 million gun owners |
| Opposition | Ohio Fraternal Order of Police, Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey, Ohio Mayors Alliance, Liz Walters (Ohio Democratic Party Chair) |
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What You'll Learn
Mike DeWine's campaign promise
In 2018, Mike DeWine, the Governor of Ohio, made a campaign promise to Buckeye Firearms Association and to Ohio's 4 million gun owners that he would sign a constitutional carry bill if it was put on his desk.
DeWine, a Greene County Republican, indicated to the pro-gun rights Buckeye Firearms Association that he would support legislation to allow people to carry concealed firearms without a permit. He also told the Buckeye Firearms Association that he would sign a bill repealing the legal duty to try to retreat before responding to an attack with deadly force.
On March 15, 2022, DeWine signed Senate Bill 215 into law, allowing Ohio residents 21 and older to conceal firearms they are legally allowed to own without training or permits. The bill also eliminates penalties for motorists who fail to inform law enforcement about carrying concealed firearms in their vehicles during traffic stops.
The signing of the bill was applauded by the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) and the Buckeye Firearms Association, who claimed that DeWine had fulfilled his campaign promise. However, it was criticized by opponents, who argued that it would increase the vulnerability of Ohioans and law enforcement officials to gun violence.
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The Buckeye Firearms Association
In 2022, Governor Mike DeWine fulfilled a campaign promise to the Buckeye Firearms Association and Ohio's 4 million gun owners by signing Senate Bill 215, a constitutional carry bill. This bill allows Ohio residents 21 and older to conceal firearms they are legally allowed to own without training or permits. Governor DeWine's decision was applauded by the National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), which stated that the bill protects the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.
However, the bill was opposed by police organizations and other groups, who argued that reduced training requirements would make communities less safe. Despite these concerns, the Buckeye Firearms Association celebrated Governor DeWine's decision as a victory for gun rights in Ohio.
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Opposition to the bill
Senate Bill 215, which allows Ohio residents aged 21 and older to carry concealed firearms without a permit or training, has faced significant opposition from various groups and individuals. The bill was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine, despite concerns raised about its potential impact on public safety and gun violence in the state.
One of the primary concerns with the bill is the elimination of training requirements for carrying concealed firearms. Police organizations, including the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police, have opposed the bill, arguing that reduced training will make communities less safe. They contend that proper training is essential for gun owners to handle their weapons responsibly and safely. This view is echoed by gun safety instructors like Jerry Baker, who emphasizes the importance of providing some form of instruction to ensure gun owners know how to handle their firearms properly.
The bill has also been criticized for potentially increasing the vulnerability of Ohioans and law enforcement officials to gun violence. Opponents argue that easing restrictions on carrying concealed weapons could lead to more firearms ending up in the wrong hands, making it easier for criminals and those with ill intentions to access guns. This, in turn, could escalate situations and further endanger innocent lives.
Additionally, the timing of the bill's signing into law has been questioned. It came shortly after a series of separate shootings in Columbus within a 12-hour period, resulting in fatalities and injuries. Critics argue that Governor DeWine's decision to sign the bill amid recent gun violence sends a message that the lives lost to such incidents "didn't matter."
The bill has also faced opposition from political figures and groups, including Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey and the Ohio Mayors Alliance. They worry that the bill undermines efforts to reduce gun violence and keeps firearms out of the hands of those who should not have them. Opponents argue that Governor DeWine's decision to sign the bill was motivated more by political considerations, especially with the governor being up for reelection and seeking support from gun-rights supporters.
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The bill's impact on gun safety
On March 15, 2022, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 215, a constitutional carry bill, into law. The bill allows Ohio residents aged 21 and older to carry concealed firearms without a permit or training. Proponents of the bill argue that it protects the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens, simplifies gun laws, and reduces bureaucratic hurdles. However, opponents, including police organizations, worry that less training will make communities less safe and increase the vulnerability of Ohioans and law enforcement officials to gun violence.
The impact of the bill on gun safety in Ohio is a highly debated topic. On the one hand, supporters of the bill argue that it upholds the Second Amendment and ensures that law-abiding citizens can exercise their right to carry firearms without government interference. They believe that reducing bureaucratic hurdles and eliminating the need for permits and training will make it easier for responsible citizens to protect themselves and their families. Additionally, they argue that constitutional carry does not relieve individuals of the responsibility of firearms ownership and the accountability for their actions.
On the other hand, critics of the bill raise serious concerns about public safety and the potential for increased gun violence. They worry that removing the requirements for permits and training will result in more people carrying firearms without adequate knowledge of gun safety and relevant state gun laws. This could lead to accidental shootings and escalate dangerous situations, endangering innocent lives. The absence of standardized regulations across states is also cited as a concern, potentially leading to confusion and legal challenges.
While some supporters of the bill argue that it will enable "good guys" to intervene in incidents of gun violence and save lives, opponents counter that an armed bystander is more likely to escalate the situation and put more people at risk. They emphasize that requirements like training and permits are common-sense safety measures, and it is understandable that most people would feel safer in the company of a trained and licensed gun owner. Additionally, critics argue that the lack of permits and background checks might allow firearms to end up in the wrong hands, further exacerbating the issue of gun violence.
The impact of the constitutional carry bill on gun safety in Ohio remains to be seen, and it is a topic that continues to be closely monitored and heavily debated. While supporters applaud the bill for upholding Second Amendment rights, critics emphasize the potential risks associated with reducing barriers to firearm access. The bill highlights the ongoing struggle to balance individual freedoms and public safety in the complex landscape of gun rights and gun control measures.
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The bill's impact on law enforcement
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed the controversial Senate Bill 215, a constitutional carry bill, into law in March 2022. The bill allows Ohio residents aged 21 and older to carry concealed firearms without a permit or training. This has sparked concerns about how the bill will impact law enforcement and community safety.
The bill's opponents, including police organizations and the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police, argue that reducing training and permit requirements will make communities less safe. They worry that more people carrying guns without adequate training increases the risk of gun violence and endangers both civilians and law enforcement officers. The bill also eliminates penalties for motorists who fail to disclose their firearms during traffic stops, which was previously a misdemeanor offense. This change has been criticized as it may increase the element of surprise and potential danger for law enforcement officers during routine interactions.
Additionally, the bill's impact on the dynamic between law enforcement and the community has been highlighted. Law enforcement officers may need to approach situations differently, considering the potential for more individuals to be carrying firearms. The bill could also affect how officers respond to calls and conduct traffic stops, potentially altering their standard procedures and increasing their vigilance.
While some law enforcement officials express concerns, others support the bill. Proponents argue that law-abiding citizens have the right to carry concealed guns under the Second Amendment without unnecessary government restrictions. They believe that individuals should be able to exercise their right to carry firearms without bureaucratic delays. However, even among supporters, there are calls for voluntary training to ensure gun owners understand weapon safety and responsible handling.
The impact of the constitutional carry bill on law enforcement in Ohio will likely be a mix of these anticipated effects. Time will tell whether the bill achieves its intended purpose of protecting Second Amendment rights while also ensuring the safety of both civilians and law enforcement officers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Mike DeWine signed the constitutional carry bill.
The constitutional carry bill, also known as Senate Bill 215, permits individuals aged 21 or above to carry a concealed gun unless the state or federal law prohibits them from doing so.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) applauded DeWine for signing the bill, stating that it protected the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. However, critics argued that the bill would increase gun violence and make communities less safe.
Mike DeWine fulfilled his campaign promise to the Buckeye Firearms Association and Ohio's 4 million gun owners to sign the constitutional carry bill. However, he broke his pledge to mourners in Dayton, Ohio, where a mass shooting had occurred, promising to take action to address gun violence.
