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

COLUMBUS —House Government Oversight Committee Member Rep. Michael Skindell (D-Lakewood) issued a statement following the committee’s 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 need for concealed weapon training.

“The passage of SB 215 out of House Government Oversight puts the safety of all Ohioans at risk,” said Rep. Skindell. “I am an ardent supporter of reasonable firearm reform and commonsense gun laws in the state of Ohio.  Commonsense public safety laws keep guns out of the hands of people who pose a risk to our communities.  SB 215 isn’t commonsense, it is dangerous.  We should be keeping our communities safe, not creating legislation that undermines commonsense safety measures.”

The vast majority of Americans support the requirements of permits and training before carrying a concealed gun in public.  In addition, according to Everytown for Gun Safety, states that have weakened their permits and training requirements have experienced an 11 percent increase in handgun homicide rates and a 13 to 15 percent increase in violent crime rates.

Democrats introduced several commonsense gun safety amendments during committee, 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. 

After clearing the Government Oversight Committee, SB 215 moves to the House floor for further consideration.