New Ohio gun bill would boost penalties for repeat offenders

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A new Republican-led bill at the Ohio Statehouse aims to curb gun violence across the state.

“These aren’t just random acts,” Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania) said. “In fact, the majority of gun crime in Ohio is done by repeat violent offenders who are not allowed to have firearms.”

 “A very small number of the criminals are the ones that a perpetrating the majority of the crime with firearms,” Rep. Bernard Willis (R-Springfield) said. “These things tell us we can reduce the number of people who will want to do that in the future.”

The bill, which does not yet have a number or committee assignment, is sponsored by Williams and Willis. The 220-page legislation would increase penalties for repeat violent firearm offenses and would mandate prison time.

“This legislation will give communities the tools they need to keep them safe,” Williams said.

Under the new bill, repeat violent offenders will face at least eight years in prison, with a potential of up to 17. Right now, Williams said repeat offenders often only get an extended probation.

“I am tired of turning on the news in Toledo and seeing four and six-year-olds dying from stray bullets,” Williams said. “I am tired of looking at reports on the news knowing I can make change.”

Willis said passing this bill would “move us in the right direction.” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost agreed, saying the criminal justice system, as written, gets this wrong. He said he looks forward to this bill moving forward.

“It will make our cities safer,” Yost said. “It will take guns off the street that belong to bad guys and not affect the rights of law-abiding citizens.”

Williams said the bill would still allow for “opportunities” for judges and prosecutors to use their discretion in these cases but outlines the presumption of prison rather than probation.

The bill's sponsors said the version they are formally introducing is the seventh draft, and they have worked on the bill for nearly a year to ensure it both helps crack down on criminals while preserving Second Amendment rights.

“We came into this knowing that Second Amendment organizations would take a harsh look at this,” Willis said.

Willis and Williams are both defenders of the Second Amendment. They said Buckeye Firearms supports the bill and the Ohio Gun Owners group is neutral on it.

The bill also allows for automatic sealing for fourth- and fifth-degree felonies on a first offense after five years. The only offenses that could be sealed under the legislation are ones that are already eligible, for example, non-violent and non-sexual crimes.

Williams said that part of the legislation is a sticking point for the Ohio Prosecuting Attorney’s Association, but said that is the only section of the bill they do not currently support.

House Minority Leader Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) said she has not “dug into the details of the legislation yet” but said this legislation is just one piece to a multifaceted solution.

“I think it is one part of a much bigger picture of what leads to gun violence and allows it proliferate in our communities,” Russo said.

Democrats have propped several pieces of legislation to address gun violence, none of which have moved forward in the Statehouse. That includes a gun safety bill that has garnered bipartisan support.

Willis and Williams said they do not think their bill is the end-all solution to address gun violence, but think it is the first step in the right direction.

“It is always up for revision,” Willis said. “I would never say we are closing the door on legislation that helps us this way.”

“There is no silver bullet, but we reject the premise that firearms are the issues,” Williams said. “It’s not just the guns themselves that are the problem; it is the guns in the hands of the wrong people that are the problem.”

Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) said he will have to “wait and see” as he reads the bill of whether he will be supportive.

“As these bills work their way through committee, they can change tremendously and it’s important to see how they work with through that process,” he said.

Gov. Mike DeWine has previously said that he supports a measure like the bill Willis and Williams have proposed.

“I believe that Ohio should have a law similar to the law the federal government has in regard to people who are no longer allowed to have guns because they’ve committed a violent offense,” he said in February. “They’re not allowed to have a gun, we find them with a gun, the judge ought to be able to throw the book at them.”

The proposed bill can be read in its entirety in the document below.