Ohio: Anti-Gun Groups Attacking Pro-Gun Bills, Your Action Needed

Next week, the Ohio Senate will be back in full swing and is anticipated to continue the committee hearing process on NRA-backed legislation.  Tomorrow, however; anti-gun groups will be participating in “virtual lobby day” to protest pro-gun bills.  Utilizing social media, Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence and several other anti-gun groups plan to use their usual misguided rhetoric to attempt to limit the gun rights of Ohioans.  Please click the ‘Take Action” button to contact your state Senator and urge him or her to support Sub. House Bill 48 and Senate Bill 180.

Sub. House Bill 48, sponsored by state Representative Ron Maag (R-62), would expand where Ohio carry permit holders may lawfully carry a firearm for self-defense.  The bill would also give discretion for college institutions to allow concealed carry on their campuses. 

The importance of this legislation is underscored by the fact that since 1983, the number of Right-to-Carry “shall issue” licensing/permitting states has increased from 8 to 41.  During this same period, the nation’s murder and total violent crime rates have decreased to 44-year lows, respectively.

Senate Bill 180, sponsored by state Senator Joe Uecker (R-14), would allow an employee to store a firearm in their locked vehicle without fear of employer retribution.  Throughout the country, many employers have adopted "No Firearms" policies that extend beyond the physical workplace to include employee parking lots – areas often accessible to the general public and not secure.  In order to comply with these policies, many employees must choose between protecting themselves during their commutes and being subject to termination by their employer.

The fundamental right to self-defense should not stop simply because you park your car in a publicly accessible parking lot owned by your employer.  When companies invite employees to park on their property, they should not be allowed to dictate employees' constitutional rights inside one's own vehicle. 

Don’t let anti-gun groups tell you where you should or shouldn’t exercise your rights! Once again, please click the ‘Take Action” button up above to contact your state Senator and urge him or her to support Sub. House Bill 48 and Senate Bill 180.