Universal Background Check Legislation Introduced In Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH — Legislation requiring universal background checks on all gun purchases in Ohio was introduced in the Ohio House this week. House Bill 317 would require all firearm purchases to be processed by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

House Bill 317, called the "Protect Law Enforcement Act," or PLEA, was introduced by State Rep. Phil Robinson, a Democrat from Solon, and State Rep. Adam Miller, a Democrat from Columbus. The duo said they want to close existing loopholes that allow gun sales to occur without a background check.

“To reduce violent crime and deter self-harm, we need to keep guns out of the hands of minors, felons, criminals and domestic abusers. Closing the loophole in the background check process will help end easy access to guns by those who should not have guns and anyone who would sell them firearms,” said Robinson.

The push for universal background checks comes amid a state tragedy. On Sunday, an armor-clad gunman opened fire in Dayton's popular Oregon District, killing nine people and wounding 27 others. Law enforcement shot and killed the gunman about a minute into the attack.

Over the past week, national and state politicians have journeyed to Dayton to visit survivors, take part in vigils and publicly debate firearm regulations. During an event on Sunday evening, the same day as the attack, Governor Mike DeWine was shouted down by a crowd demanding he "Do something" about gun violence.

In the ensuing days, Senator Sherrod Brown, Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley and President Donald Trump have engaged in a war of words. Brown and Whaley urged the president to take action on gun control reforms.

DeWine, moved by the response of the crowds in Dayton, introduced a series of reforms he wants to see pass the Ohio Congress. Improved background checks on firearm sales was among his list of desired legislative actions.

“The vast majority of Ohioans support expanding background checks. This is not just what will help keep us safe, but it is what the people want,” added Robinson. “PLEA is a plea to support law enforcement’s efforts to keep dangerous weapons out of dangerous hands. It is a plea to help keep children, students and families safe. It is a plea for the commonsense gun safety reform that Ohioans want.”

PLEA would require background checks for private firearm sales. That means anyone selling a gun would have to get a background check done on the buyer. The seller would need to either go to a police station to have the check done, or go to a licensed firearm dealer.

“This approach not only makes everyday Ohioans safer, but it aides and protects our local law enforcement. For each person that poses a danger with a gun that doesn’t have one after failing a background check, that’s one less crime scene where an officer or civilians could lose their lives. Police officers deserve to feel safe and secure on the job so they can do their jobs and keep our communities safe," Robinson said.