Rep. Jarrells denounces the signing of permitless concealed carry legislation into law

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) today expressed extreme disappointment after Gov. Mike DeWine on Monday signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 215, extreme permitless concealed carry legislation that puts all Ohioans and law enforcement in danger. SB 215 allows any Ohioan, aged 21 years or older, to carry a concealed handgun without a permit and without any training, provided they are not otherwise prohibited under state or federal law. Additionally, this bill modifies “duty to notify” requirements and reduces the penalty for failure to notify to a misdemeanor with no accompanying license suspension

“The vast majority of Ohioans challenged the governor to ‘do something’ after the tragic mass shooting in Dayton in 2019,” said Rep. Jarrells. “This dangerous permitless concealed carry law endangers the lives of our children and families, makes our communities less safe, and threatens our law enforcement. SB 215 truly takes our state backward. We owe it to Ohioans to take action to reduce gun violence, not pass dangerous legislation that puts their lives in jeopardy.” 

Opponents of SB 215 included the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police, gun safety advocates, and civil rights groups. Democrats introduced several commonsense gun safety measures to SB 215 during House session on March 2, but all were rejected by Republicans.