Democratic state senators said gun violence is out of control in Ohio and the rest of the country. They want their fellow lawmakers in the Ohio Legislature to do something to reduce it by passing some gun safety bills they have proposed.
But the bills are a long shot in the Republican-dominated legislature.
For Sen. Hearcel Craig (D-Columbus), this issue is personal.
鈥淚 live on the south side of Columbus and almost every day I hear gunfire near my home,鈥� Craig said.
Craig, along with Sen. Vernon Sykes (D-Akron) and Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood), said gun violence is out of control.
鈥淚 want you to think just a minute. That鈥檚 our children. That鈥檚 a father. That鈥檚 a niece, nephew,鈥� Craig said.
The bills Democrats are supporting
which would harmonize Ohio law with federal law when it comes to prohibiting domestic abusers from having access to guns
would provide gun owners with the option to store their firearms outside the home with regulated gun dealers or shooting range owners
would give a non-refundable income tax credit of up to $250 per person per year to cover the cost of handgun safety training, safe storage or locking devices.
Chances of passage
Republicans have supermajorities in both chambers of the legislature. In recent years, they have passed bills that give more rights to gun owners and loosen regulations on firearms.
The Democrats stress these three bills are bipartisan and were developed after talking to stakeholders, including the National Rif