Dem lawmakers introduce Child Access Prevention gun law

State Reps. Brigid Kelly (D-Cincinnati) and Jessica Miranda (D-Forest Park) this week introduced the Child Access Prevention law in the Ohio House, commonsense gun safety legislation to ensure firearms are stored safely and securely out of the reach of minors.  

“Last year, more than 40,000 Americans lost their lives to gun violence. Solutions to prevent gun violence exist—we just need the courage to implement them,” said Rep. Kelly. “With yet another school shooting this week, we can and must do better to enact commonsense measures to keep our children safe.”

According to the Giffords Law Center, a 2018 study found that 4.6 million American minors live in homes with at least one loaded, unlocked firearm. Every day, 22 children are shot in the U.S., and 3 million children are directly exposed to gun violence each year. In a separate study of school shootings, in 65 percent of cases, the attacker used a firearm from either their own home or that of a relative.

“As a concealed carry permit holder myself, I support the right to responsibly bear arms, but join the majority of Ohioans who want to see more commonsense gun safety measures to keep children and families safe,” said Rep. Miranda. “This bill is an essential step to prevent the type of school shootings that have become far too familiar in our country. We are past the time for thoughts and prayers. This crisis demands action.”

Under the proposed law, gun owners with children in their household would be required to keep firearms in safe storage, equipped with a tamper-resistant lock or other safety devices that render the weapon inaccessible or inoperable by a minor.

After receiving a bill number, the Child Access Prevention law will be assigned to a committee for consideration.