Statehouse Republicans ignore Ohioans' calls for commonsense gun safety as permitless concealed carry takes effect

COLUMBUS- Today, State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) issued a statement as Senate Bill (SB) 215, Republican legislation that allows Ohioans to carry hidden, loaded handguns in public without a permit, takes effect. Additionally, SB 215 eliminates the requirement for concealed weapon training and reduces penalties if a gun owner fails to notify law enforcement that they are carrying.

This morning, Gov. DeWine also signed House Bill (HB) 99, legislation to allow teachers and staff to be armed in schools. Police, teachers’ unions, civil rights groups and students all strongly oppose this legislation and the effects it would have on our children and schools.

“This dangerous law puts the lives of our children and families at risk, makes our schools less safe, and threatens our students and teachers. HB 99 truly takes our state backward. We owe it to Ohioans to keep guns out of our schools by not arming our teachers,” said Rep. Jarrells.

The vast majority of Ohioans—Democrats, Republicans and Independents—want to see more commonsense measures to keep us safe. Two-thirds of Ohioans are worried about gun violence in their community, at their church or in their child’s school. We need to stand with the thousands of students, moms and families who just want safer schools, safer communities and a safer Ohio.

The Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT) and Ohio Education Association (OEA) have both urged Governor DeWine to veto the bill, stating that the 24 hours of training is not enough and it will make students less safe in schools. 

HB 99 will go into effect in 90 days.