COLUMBUS, Ohio — Two Ohio gun bills are one step closer to changing who can carry a gun and where.
One bill would make it more accessible for teachers to carry guns in schools, the other would make a permit and training to carry optional.
“We are passing more and more gun [laws] that are not helping to curve gun violence at all", District 12 Rep. Juanita Brent (D), said.
“It does nothing to enhance the ability of the bad guys to get guns,” District 61 Rep. Jamie Callender (R), said.
Brent and Callender were both there for the vote on both gun bills that could change state laws drastically.
House Bill 99 would allow teachers and staff to carry guns in the classroom after completing 20 hours of training, roughly 700 hours less than what's currently required.
House Bill 227 would call for optional concealed carry permits and a mandatory eight-hour training, similar to what 21 other states allow in the U.S.
Brent voted against both bills; Callender voted in favor of both bills.
“We want to make sure that law-abiding citizens have the ability to protect themselves, Callender said. “It's a constitutional right.”
“Getting rid of the license process is very problematic. It's problematic for our police departments, Brent said. “We are just making more tension than there already is.”
House Bill 227 also states that gun holders would not need to "promptly" notify a police officer that they have a guy, only requiring notification if they're asked.
3News asked the Cleveland Police Union how or if these bills could change how officers will interact with the public. In a statement, Union President Jeff Follmer said “There are pros and cons to this bill. I believe everyone should have some kind of training in firearms. It's also nice to know that an individual has a firearm in their vehicle, but we treat everyone that we encounter as if they have a weapon for officer safety.”
“It helps folks that want to protect themselves, protect themselves,” Callender said. “It also comes down to it's what the constitution says.”
“You’re basically saying that anyone can have a gun without training. That is not the way we need to go in Ohio,” Brent said.
Both bills will head to the Ohio Senate for approval.
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