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

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

This week, 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.

“Allowing Ohioans to carry hidden, loaded guns in public without any training requirement and without a license or permit makes all of us less safe,” said Rep. Brown. “I stand with our police in opposition to this dangerous policy. I also stand with our teachers union and the Fraternal Order of the Police in opposition to HB 99, which will allow teachers to be armed in schools, with only minimal training. Schools are the last place we need more guns. Teachers want to teach, not play the role of law enforcement. These laws are not what people meant when they asked their government to ‘do something.’”