Rep. Liston introduces bill to help prevent firearm-related deaths

State Rep. Beth Liston (D-Dublin) this week introduced new legislation, House Bill (HB) 315, to require federally licensed firearms dealers to provide information about suicide prevention in hopes of decreasing the alarming statistics associated with gun-related fatalities.

“Over 50 percent of gun deaths in Ohio are the result of firearm assisted suicide,” said Rep. Liston. “I want to ensure that all gun owners are aware of the risks associated with firearms and are able to make informed decisions that are best suited for themselves and their families.”

According to an article from the Columbus Dispatch, suicides involving guns in Ohio have risen by 60 percent from 2003 to 2017. In 2016, approximately 70 percent of veteran suicides in the U.S. stemmed from a firearm injury. Additionally, between 2012 and 2014, 40 percent of Ohio’s adolescents who committed suicide used a gun.

HB 315 seeks to help educate firearm purchasers about the relationship between firearm ownership and suicide, as well as provide them with resources that are available for suicide prevention.

“This is a simple and straightforward way to make sure gun owners are educated and informed about the often overlooked link between firearms and suicide,” added Rep. Liston. “It is my hope that this bill, and other commonsense gun safety proposals introduced by my Democratic colleagues, receive the necessary committee hearings and are brought to a vote very soon before the legislature.”

More information on HB 315 can be found here.