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Ashford: GOP Bill to Weaken Concealed Carry Protections Puts
Public Safety in the Crosshairs
Legislation would allow concealed carry holders to knowingly
bring deadly weapons to schools, airports
State Rep. Michael Ashford (D-Toledo) last week voiced
objections over House Bill (HB) 233, legislation that allows
concealed carry permit holders to knowingly bring guns or
deadly weapons into daycares, schools, airports, bars and
other restricted spaces, so long as the permit holder leaves
when asked to do so. Individuals who refuse to leave or
return to the same business while carrying a prohibited
weapon within 30 days will be subject to a fourth degree
misdemeanor.
“This isn’t just a solution looking for a problem, but it is
creating a whole new set of public safety problems by
overturning Ohio laws designed to keep us safe and secure,”
said House Democratic Leader Fred Strahorn (D-Dayton). “This
will trample property rights of business owners and create
confusion in secure locations like airports, police
stations, schools and daycares.”
HB 233 essentially eliminates any penalty for permit holders
who knowingly carry a deadly weapon in a secure area if they
leave the premises upon request.
“House Bill 233 reverses protective laws that ensure the
safety of our children in daycares and schools,” said
Ashford. “By introducing this bill, Republican legislators
are prioritizing negligent gun owners over families who
simply want to go to places without fear of gun violence.”
The bill also modifies the list of places required to post
signs notifying consumers of prohibited weapons. Under HB
233, daycares and certain government buildings are no longer
encouraged to post prohibited weapon signage, and airports
must alter their signage placement from the airport facility
to passenger or screening checkpoints.
The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
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