COLUMBUS, Ohio — Members of the Ohio House of Representatives stood for a moment of silence in respect to the victims of the Texas school shooting.
It was a moment that nearly didn't happen.
Prior to the session starting, Democrats requested to speak about the shooting including a moment of silence, but Republican leadership was concerned that it would become too political.
Both sides agreed to allow a member of each party to speak as long as it didn't turn into a political blame game.
"This massacre of our babies and our fearless teachers who by the way shielded their students yesterday, is exactly the type of thing we must talk about in these halls," said State Representative and Minority Whip Jessica Miranda (D-Forest Park).
"I want to recognize the incredible bravery of the teachers and those that were unnamed who rushed towards to protect the children. This is not just a Texas tragedy. This is a human tragedy," said State Representative Tim Ginter (R-Columbiana County)
There are 29 bills before the legislature regarding gun control and it's divided among Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
Democrats proposed legislation aimed at repealing the state's "Stand your Ground" bill, calling for universal background checks and raising the age requirement to buy a gun to 21 years old.
Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers proposed a bill that would allow guns to be carried in schools with two hours of training and make sure insurance isn't required to own a firearm.
"This happened in Texas. It didn't happen in Ohio. We don't know what their laws are, but the security of children is foremost in our minds," said House Speaker Bob Cupp (R-Lima)
"Let's fix the background check system. Let's get guns out of the hands of the mentally ill. Those small victories can really make a difference and at least save one life," said Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein.
Governor Mike DeWine was not available for comment Thursday.
DeWine's administration added more money to improve security in schools and expand mental health to prevent school shootings.
The governor attempted to pass Ohio's version of the red flag law, but it died in the legislature. It would have sent people with drug or alcohol problems to a psychiatric hospital, where they can't legally have access to guns.
Democratic lawmakers proposed the following bills:
- HB 38 (Sponsored by Thomas West and Adam Miller): Repeals the state's “Stand Your Ground” law
- SB 73 (Sponsored by Cecil Thomas) / HB 259 (Sponsored by Phillip Robinson and Adam Miller): Requires universal background checks/Enacts Protect Law Enforcement Act
- SB 74 (Sponsored by Cecil Thomas): Raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm to 21
- SB 75 (Sponsored by Cecil Thomas and Sandra Williams): Regulate the transfer of firearms at gun shows
- SB 76 (Sponsored by Cecil Thomas and Hearcel Craig) / HB 274 (Sponsored by Terrence Upchurch and Dontavius Jarrells): Restore local control to regulate firearms-related conduct
- SB 77 (Sponsored by Cecil Thomas): Ban bump stocks and other items that accelerate semi-automatic firearms
- SB 138 (Sponsored by Sandra Williams) / HB 257 (Sponsored by Allison Russo and Monique Smith): Enact Extreme Risk Protection Order Act (“Red Flag” law)
- SB 205 (Sponsored by Cecil Thomas): Designate Gun Violence Awareness Month
- HB 262 (Sponsored by Jessica Miranda and Brigid Kelly): Prohibit negligent firearm storage
- HB 360 (Sponsored by Jessica Miranda and Monique Smith): Designate Gun Violence Awareness Month
- HB 661 (Sponsored by Jeffrey Crossman and Paula Hicks-Hudson): Require gun trigger locks with firearm sales
Republican lawmakers have proposed the following bills:
- HB 62 (Sponsored by Mike Loychik and Diane Grendell): Designate Ohio a Second Amendment Sanctuary State
- HB 89 (Sponsored by Scott Wiggam): Revise concealed handgun licensee requirement to notify upon stop
- HB 99 (Sponsored by Thomas Hall): Regards persons authorized to go armed within school safety zone
- SB 185 (Sponsored by Tim Schaffer)/ HB 325 (Sponsored by Scott Wiggam): Regards emergency powers when suppressing a riot; firearms rights
- SB 215 (Sponsored by Terry Johnson) / HB 227 (Sponsored by Thomas Brinkman and Kris Jordan) / HB 505 (Sponsored by Diane Grendell and Jennifer Gross): Regards concealed handgun licensee duties
- SB 293 (Sponsored by Theresa Gavarone and Terry Johnson): Prohibit requiring fees and liability insurance to possess firearms
- HB 297 (Sponsored by Scott Wiggam): Enact Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act
- HB 383 (Sponsored by Kyle Koehler): Modify penalties for certain weapons offense
- HB 455 (Sponsored by Reggie Stoltzfus): Avoid carrying weapon where prohibited charge if leave on request