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Rep. Miller 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
Joseph A. Miller, III News

State Rep. Joe Miller (D-Amherst) today issued a statement on the state legislature’s duty to work together to address senseless gun violence and keep all Ohioans safe and secure in the wake of a mass shooting in Dayton, Ohio this past weekend:

“As an Ohioan, my heart breaks for the victims of this horrible act of terrorism, for their loved ones and for the city of Dayton. As a member of the Ohio General Assembly, I know that offering our thoughts and prayers simply isn’t enough. We were elected to take action,” said Rep. Miller. “My Democratic colleagues and I have put forward a slate of commonsense, widely-supported measures to protect Ohioans and keep guns from getting into the hands of those who wish to do harm. It’s unconscionable that House Bill 178, which eliminates firearm training requirements and expands concealed carry, has gotten more hearings than all of these gun safety measures combined.”

Rep. Miller 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. Miller is 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:

  • Senate Bill (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 63, sponsored by Sen. Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati), to require universal background checks on gun purchases. Rep. Phil Robinson (D-Solon) is proposing 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. Adam Miller.

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