Rep. Miller: Permitless carry legislation puts Ohioans, law enforcement in danger

COLUMBUS —State Rep. Joe Miller (D-Amherst) issued a statement following the Ohio House passage of Senate Bill (SB) 215, Republican-backed legislation that undermines public safety laws that currently require permits for people who carry hidden, loaded handguns in public. SB 215 would eliminate the requirement for concealed weapon training and reduce penalties if a gun owner fails to notify law enforcement they are carrying. 

“As a supporter of the Second Amendment and a gun owner, I believe that this legislation goes too far. We have passed too many bills in this General Assembly that have made Ohioans less safe. It is a red flag for me that the Fraternal Order of Ohio opposes this bill, and the conversations I have had with constituents echo the concerns I have,” said Rep. Miller.

Democrats introduced several commonsense gun safety amendments during session, including to: 

Enact the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act;
Require universal background checks for all firearms purchases;
Require that licensed firearms dealers provide information about Ohio’s gun laws with every firearms purchase.
Republicans rejected these amendments, and cut off debate on SB 215 before all Democrats were able to speak on the legislation.