Today, state Senator Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) released the following statement after Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law Senate Bill 215 – dangerous, controversial legislation that removes Ohio’s concealed carry licensing requirement and repeals the law requiring those armed to “promptly” inform law enforcement officers. S. B. 215 will allow any Ohioan, age 21 and older who is not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law, to carry a concealed handgun without a permit or training.
“It is disappointing, but not surprising, that Governor DeWine signed this bill into law. Instead of passing the commonsense legislation supported by a majority of Ohioans, he caved to pressure from special interest groups. As gun violence and crime rates continue to rise, we should work to improve police-community relationships, not throw gasoline on the fire by making officers more fearful for their safety.
“The Fraternal Order of Police explicitly told us in committee that this bill ‘creates a threat to officer safety,’ and the Ohio Mayors Alliance and Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association said this bill ‘is another dangerous step in the wrong direction and is a serious threat to public safety in our communities.’
“Bottom line: S. B. 215 is anti-police, anti-public safety and wrong for Ohio.”
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