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

COLUMBUS - Today, State Rep. Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati) issued a statement as Senate Bill (SB) 215, Republican legislation that allows Ohioans to carry hidden, loaded handguns in public without a permit, takes effect. 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 morning, 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.

“The goal is to make our schools and communities safer, not to encourage more guns. We must take other stringent steps to ensure the protection of our students without potentially dangerous side effects or requiring our teachers to be armed,” said Rep. Denson.