Rep. Miller announces legislation to prevent gun violence in Ohio

State Rep. Adam Miller (D-Columbus) today announced legislation that would prohibit individuals from possessing, receiving or purchasing firearms when they have been lawfully determined to pose a threat to themselves or others. The proposal would implement judicial prohibition for as long as an individual is deemed a threat and restore the ability to possess a firearm when that same judicial process determines there is no longer a threat.

“We can’t wait for gun safety to protect our children,” said Rep. Miller. “We need common sense legislation that protects those most vulnerable to gun violence. This narrowly tailored legislation is easy to understand; easy to implement.”

Under the new legislation, the standard used to determine the presence of a threat is the same standard currently used by courts issuing domestic violence protection orders. The individual in question would not have to be present at the time of a hearing.

“When the threat of violence is present, it is critically important that those seeking protection can do it quickly and efficiently through the judicial system. It has to be immediate. No one should seek judicial protection for their own safety and then have to wait,” added Rep. Miller.

Miller is also a co-sponsor of House Bill (HB) 316, a “red flag” bill that would provide protections from domestic abusers who are a threat to themselves or others. HB 316 creates a new category of protection order, called an “extreme risk protection order,” while Miller’s standalone legislation would apply existing protection order standards to gun safety. Miller is also a cosponsor of House Bill (HB) 335 which would require a person who is subject to a civil or criminal domestic violence temporary protection order to surrender their firearms.

The legislation, HB 348, currently awaits committee assignment.