Gov. Mike DeWine says he wants state lawmakers to pass his plan on gun violence by the end of this year.
DeWine says it’s been about eight years since he shot a gun, but that he supports the Second Amendment. He says the Ohio General Assembly needs to keep that in mind and take a closer look at his “STRONG Ohio” plan to reduce gun violence.
“This bill will save lives,” DeWine says. “This bill will save lives and we need to get it passed in the General Assembly this year.”
DeWine says his bill requires law enforcement agencies to keep their databases up-to-date, puts more guardrails on gun sales and registration, and provide a “cooling-off” period for people thought to be dangerous. He calls those “common sense” solutions.
“I would ask the members of the legislature to look at this, read the bill and look at what it actually does,” DeWine says. “What you will find is it is very consistent with the Second Amendment.”
Ohio lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have been less than enthusiastic about DeWine’s bill, but it has support from many community leaders, police agencies and mental health advocates.
The Senate proposal, sponsored by state Sen. Matt Dolan (R-Chagrin Falls), has drawn criticism from other Republicans and gun advocacy groups for limiting gun access. Democrats say the bill is too weak and should include mandatory background checks and a stronger “red flag” law.
DeWine introduced the plan a few months after the mass shooting in Dayton.
