Buckeye Reporter

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has called for stronger penalties for repeat firearm offenders as a measure to reduce gun violence and support law enforcement. This statement was made on the social media platform X.

"We know that most gun violence is committed by repeat offenders who are prohibited by law from having a gun," said DeWine. "I'm glad to see that the House has moved forward with HB 5. To increase penalties for those who consistently ignore Ohio's gun laws. And put lives at risk."

In May 2025, the Ohio House passed House Bill 5, known as the Repeat Offender Act, which aims to increase penalties for gun crimes committed by individuals with prior firearm-related felony convictions. According to State News, the bill mandates an additional three to five years of prison time for repeat offenders and introduces tougher sentences for crimes involving illegal gun modifications and drive-by shootings. While Republicans view the measure as a way to target violent recidivists, groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Ohio argue it could exacerbate prison overcrowding and racial disparities.

Ohio’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) has identified 122 repeat firearm offenders through expanded forensic DNA analysis. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office states that this effort provided critical leads for law enforcement and revealed a consistent pattern of reoffending among gun crime suspects. The program highlights the connection between gun violence and prior felony convictions.

Firearms offenders are significantly more likely to reoffend than other types of federal offenders. A report from the U.S. Sentencing Commission found that 45% of firearm offenders with minimal prior records recidivated within eight years, compared to 33.2% of similar non-firearm offenders. Recidivism rates increased to 85.2% for offenders with the highest criminal history scores, underscoring the persistence of gun-related repeat offenses.

DeWine has served as Governor of Ohio since 2019 and is a longtime Republican political figure with previous roles as state attorney general, U.S. senator, and lieutenant governor. According to his official website, DeWine has promoted policies addressing mental health and background checks to combat gun violence, although many proposals have stalled in the GOP-led legislature. His public safety platform emphasizes balancing Second Amendment rights with targeted interventions.