Leader Russo commends President Biden for taking action to keep Americans safe from gun violence

COLUMBUS- Today, Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) commended President Biden’s executive action plan to reduce gun violence across the country. The executive actions include several measures the Biden administration is taking to keep guns out of the wrong hands, reduce community violence, assist local law enforcement and address the root causes of gun violence. 

This comprehensive strategy is bolstered by the recent passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun violence reduction legislation to pass Congress in 30 years. 

“I commend President Biden’s commitment to reducing gun violence. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act makes real progress that will save innocent lives,” said Leader Russo. “Keeping our children and communities safe from gun violence should not be a partisan issue. I hope my Republican colleagues will take note of this bipartisan achievement and work together with House Democrats to pass the commonsense gun safety bills our caucus has introduced this General Assembly.”

Ohio Democrats’ commonsense gun safety bills include:

HB 38 (West, Miller, A.) Repeal “Stand Your Ground”
SB 73 (Thomas) / HB 259 (Robinson, Miller, A.) Universal background checks
SB 74 (Thomas) Raise minimum age to purchase firearm to 21
SB 75 (Thomas, Williams) Regulate transfer of firearms at gun shows
SB 76 (Thomas, Craig) / HB 274 (Upchurch, Jarrells) Restore local control to regulate firearms-related conduct
SB 77 (Thomas) Ban bump stocks and other items that accelerate semi-automatic firearms
SB 138 (Williams) / HB 257 (Russo, Smith, M.) Enact Extreme Risk Protection Order Act (“Red Flag” law)
SB 205 (Thomas) Gun Violence Awareness Month
HB 262 (Miranda, Kelly) Prohibit negligent firearm storage
HB 360 (Miranda, Smith) Designate Gun Violence Awareness Month
HB 661 (Crossman, Hicks-Hudson) Require gun trigger locks with firearm sales
 

Meanwhile, Republicans have continued to prioritize legislation that opponents say will make Ohioans less safe, including House Bill (HB) 99, to arm teachers in schools, and SB 125, allowing gun owners to conceal carry without a license or training.