On June 16, Buckeye Firearms Association (BFA) expressed opposition to a series of new legislative proposals in Ohio. The association criticized nine House bills and one Senate bill, describing them as ineffective measures previously defeated in past sessions.
The proposed legislation includes:
– **House Bill 45**: Introduced by Representatives Cecil Thomas and Rachel Baker, this bill seeks to impose a 10-day waiting period for firearm transfers following a background check. It was referred to the House Public Safety Committee on February 5.
– **House Bill 46**: Sponsored by Thomas and Michele Grim, it aims to establish extreme risk protection orders allowing family members and law enforcement to temporarily seize firearms from individuals deemed dangerous. This bill also went to the House Public Safety Committee on February 5.
– **House Bill 337**: Proposed by Thomas and Anita Somani, this bill would mandate gun trigger locks with firearm sales by licensed dealers. It was referred to the committee on June 11.
– **House Bill 348**: Sponsored by Dani Isaacsohn and Meredith Lawson-Rowe, this proposal seeks to repeal permitless carry laws enacted under SB 215 in June 2022. As of June 16, it had not been assigned to a committee.
– **House Bill 350**: Backed by Thomas and Grim, it intends to ban bump stocks and similar devices. The bill was introduced on June 11 but remains unassigned.
– **House Bill 351**: Darnell Brewer and Karen Brownlee propose creating an Ohio Task Force on Gun Violence through this bill. Introduced on June 11, it is yet unassigned.
– **House Bill 352**: Also sponsored by Brewer, this legislation aims to expand offenses related to domestic violence and weapons disabilities. It awaits assignment since its introduction on June 11.
– **House Bill 354**: Sponsored by Grim and Munira Abdullahi, it proposes prohibiting firearm possession for those convicted of first-degree misdemeanor domestic violence. It remains unassigned since June 11.
– **Senate Bill 75**: Introduced by Senators Paula Hicks-Hudson and Catherine Ingram, this bill seeks increased penalties for failing to report lost or stolen firearms. Referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 12.
Dean Rieck, BFA’s executive director, expressed disappointment over these legislative efforts targeting Second Amendment rights instead of focusing on more productive legislation. “Democrats are like Dr. Frankenstein,” Rieck commented regarding the reintroduction of these bills. He assured that BFA will continue its efforts against such proposals while defending gun owners’ rights in Ohio.
For more information about BFA’s stance on current firearms-related legislation in the Ohio General Assembly or membership details, visit their website.
