Rep. Hicks-Hudson statement on passage of controversial GOP gun legislation that would make Ohioans less safe

Government Oversight Committee Ranking Member Rep. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) issued a statement Thursday following the committee passage of House Bill (HB) 227, GOP-backed legislation that would gut public safety laws that currently require permits for people who carry hidden, loaded handguns in public.

“If Republicans truly want to keep our kids and communities safe, they’d pass commonsense gun safety reforms, not divisive, short-sighted legislation to eliminate the things that are already working like permits and training. This extreme legislation doesn’t make Ohio any more gun friendly. Instead, it makes it a lot less safe for all of us, including gun owners,” said Rep. Hicks-Hudson. “Today was another bad day for democracy, with no live testimony and not even having written testimony available. This bill had no time for real discussion, debate or consideration. The authors of our constitution are shaking their heads wondering what we’re doing.”

After clearing the Government Oversight Committee, HB 227 is eligible for consideration on the House floor.