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

COLUMBUS —State Rep. Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati) 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. 

“Ohioans want more, not fewer, gun safety measures to keep our communities safe and secure. Each day that we don’t pass commonsense gun safety legislation is another day that our children and families live in fear of rising gun violence. SB 215 will make it easier for guns to fall into the hands of bad actors that want to do harm in our communities,” said Rep. Denson.   

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.