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Rep. Robinson issues statement on Dayton shooting, says more needs to be done to keep children and families safe

Urges action on commonsense gun safety legislation
August 5, 2019
Phillip M. Robinson, Jr. News

State Rep. Phil Robinson (D-Solon) today issued a statement in response to the mass shooting in Dayton, OH, which occurred this past weekend:

“My sincere condolences to the victims’ family members of the mass shootings in both Dayton and El Paso. These tragedies way heavy on my heart. I also want to thank local police and law enforcement for their service in doing what they could to save as many lives as possible. No one can do the difficult job our police do when it comes to dealing with an active shooter situation,” said Rep. Robinson. “As we all grieve for the deceased and hope the wounded make quick physical and emotional recoveries, I hope in the coming weeks that the House, Senate and Gov. DeWine take legislative action in trying to prevent future tragedies. I know I will be doing my part.”

Rep. Robinson believes it is the state legislature’s duty to work together to address senseless gun violence and keep all Ohioans safe and secure in the wake of another mass shooting.

In the House, Rep. Robinson is taking the lead on closing the background check loophole and will soon be introducing companion legislation to Senate Bill (SB) 63 from State Sen. Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati), which require universal background checks on gun purchases.

Rep. Robinson noted the importance of passing two widely supported gun safety measures, universal background checks and a “red flag” law. More than 90 percent of Ohioans support universal background checks for gun purchases and Governor DeWine has expressed his support for implementing a red flag law. Rep Robinson is joining his caucus in also calling for immediate hearings on other commonsense gun safety proposals laid out by Democrats in recent months, as the vast majority of Ohioans support commonsense solutions to keep kids and communities safe.

Democratic lawmakers have introduced several bills to address gun safety, including:

  • SB 19, sponsored by Sen. Sandra Williams (D-Cleveland), to enact red flag protections. Reps. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Cleveland) and Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) proposed companion legislation in the House.
  • SB 62, sponsored by Sen. Thomas, would ban bump stocks.
  • SB 64, Sen. Thomas, to increase the minimum purchasing age of firearms to 21.
  • SB 65, Sen. Thomas, to close the gun show loophole.
  • SB 43, Sens. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) and Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard), bipartisan legislation to prohibit individuals convicted of domestic violence from purchasing a firearm.
  • Reps. Jessica Miranda (D-Forest Park) and Brigid Kelly’s (D-Cincinnati) proposed safe storage bill to keep firearms out of the hands of minors.
  • Ban on high-capacity magazines, proposedby Rep. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson).
  • Address resources for school safety, including security doors and restricted access, sponsored by Rep. Mary Lightbody (D-Westerville). 
  • Mental health information provided at purchase site, proposed by Rep. Beth Liston (D-Dublin).
  • Restrictions on purchase of body armor and high-capacity magazines, proposed by Rep. Adam Miller (D-Columbus).
  • Increase gun safety training hours, proposed by Rep. Miller.

Of all the gun safety legislation introduced, there has only been a single hearing on SB 43.