Ohio GOP gubernatorial candidate Jim Renacci on Friday praised the Ohio Senate for passing “constitutional carry” legislation.
According to Renacci, the measure is a constitutional right for citizens of the state, and he would immediately sign the bill, if he were governor.
“Congratulations to the Ohio Senate for passing this vital Constitutional Carry legislation. As Governor, I would sign this bill the moment it crossed my desk,” said former Congressman Renacci. “Ohio needs a governor who believes in our Second Amendment rights. Not like Mike DeWine, who’s trying to pass red flag laws. I have always stood up for our Second Amendment rights, and as Governor, I always will.”
Senate Bill 215 permits any individual aged 21 or over to carry a concealed firearm, making the class and license an optional decision for the state’s residents.
Supporters of the legislation argue the new law would extend protection for gun owners through the state and reduce unnecessary regulations.
“Ohioans are already permitted to open carry firearms, however, once an individual were to put on a sweatshirt or jacket, they would be in violation of the law,” said State Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott), who sponsored the legislation. “Senate Bill 215 solves this problem and further removes restrictions to Ohio’s second amendment rights.”
Earlier this year, the Ohio House passed a similar measure. House Bill 227, sponsored by State Representative Thomas Brinkman (R-Mt. Lookout), would also make Ohio’s concealed handgun license system optional.
The two chambers of the legislature will now work to pass one of the two laws. Once passed by both chambers, the provision will head to Governor Mike DeWine for final approval.
If either bill is signed into law, the move would make Ohio the 22nd state that has enacted similar policies.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
