Leader Russo statement on Texas elementary school shooting

May 25, 2022

COLUMBUS – House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today issued a statement following the horrific elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, which reportedly killed 19 children and one teacher.

“As a parent, I cannot imagine a more horrific tragedy than losing a child to a senseless and evil act of violence,” said Leader Russo. “Our children deserve better than this. They deserve to go to school and live in communities where they feel safe. This legislature has been sitting on commonsense gun safety bills for far too long, and it instead passes extreme and out-of-touch bills that make it easier for guns to get into the hands of dangerous people. Tragedies like this will continue to happen until we take real action to address the gun violence that rips apart our communities every day. I will pray for these families tonight and for more courageous leaders to join me in putting the lives of our children before the demands of the gun lobby.”

Ohio Democrats have introduced various pieces of gun safety legislation, including:

· 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 the recently-passed law allowing gun owners to conceal carry without a license or training. Gun violence is a public health issue impacting the safety and security of Ohio children and families, and it deserves our immediate attention.