
Columbus, Ohio – Ohio state lawmakers wrapped up their legislative activities with a 12-hour marathon session on Wednesday, taking dozens of votes on various issues. Despite the urgency of addressing gun violence highlighted by recent mass shootings, gun policy did not feature prominently on the agenda.
Recent Gun Violence in Ohio
Most of Ohio’s major cities, including Columbus, Akron, Cincinnati, and Dayton, reported at least one mass shooting in June. According to the Gun Violence Archive, these incidents collectively left four people dead and numerous others injured. Notable incidents included early morning shootings between June 23 and 24 that injured ten people in Columbus’s Short North neighborhood and on the West Side of Dayton. Earlier in the month, nearly 30 people were shot after midnight at a birthday party in Akron on June 2.
Lawmakers’ Stance on Gun Control
Despite the rising gun violence, House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) indicated that his party’s supermajority is not interested in pursuing policies that limit firearms. “Gun control laws simply just don’t work, in my opinion,” Stephens stated during a media gaggle last Tuesday. “Allowing the police to enforce the laws that are on the books is really the most important thing in keeping our community safe.”
Interestingly, several GOP-backed gun bills also did not make it to the floor, including House Bill 51. This bill, which would shield Ohioans from federal gun control policies by encouraging local law enforcement to ignore policies deemed in violation of the Second Amendment, has stalled for six months.
Opposition and Local Government Frustrations
Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) expressed frustration over the inaction on gun control, suggesting that her Republican colleagues are disconnected from their constituents’ desires. “We will continue to see these mass shootings like what we saw here in Columbus, in the Short North,” Russo said. “The General Assembly again has stood in the way of our local law enforcement and our local officials.”
Legal Challenges to Local Gun Ordinances
The state’s judicial branch and the city of Columbus have long been at odds over the legality of local gun ordinances. In 2022, Columbus City Council attempted to ban gun magazines holding 30 or more rounds of ammunition. Despite cities like Columbus having “home rule” authority to legislate on certain issues, the state’s highest court has ruled that stricter local gun ordinances are not permissible under this provision.
Moving Forward
As Ohio grapples with increasing gun violence, the debate over gun control continues to be a contentious issue among state lawmakers. The recent spate of shootings underscores the urgency of addressing gun policy, yet the path forward remains fraught with political and legal challenges. While some advocate for stricter measures to curb gun violence, others maintain that enforcing existing laws is the key to ensuring community safety.