Bill would ban domestic violence convicts from having guns

(The Center Square) – A new bill in the Ohio Legislature would bring the state in line with federal law and bar people convicted of domestic violence from having guns or dangerous weapons.

Federal law already bans most people convicted of domestic violence from having guns. Sens. Hearcel Craig, D-Columbus, and Casey Weinstein, D-Hudson, say a state law is needed to ensure enforcement.

The bill would stop individuals convicted of first-degree misdemeanors for domestic violence from having guns. Thirty-two other states already have a similar law.

“This bill is about common sense: keeping guns out of the hands of those who have already shown a pattern of violent behavior,” Weinstein said. “Domestic violence is a serious issue – Ohio had 114 domestic violence fatalities last year – and we must act to prevent further tragedies. Restricting access to firearms for those convicted of domestic violence is a crucial step toward protecting survivors and reducing gun violence in our communities.”

According to the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, 79 domestic violence victims were killed in Ohio from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. In 72% of those cases, there was prior contact with the criminal or civil justice system.

The report also showed that 32 of the state’s 88 counties had a fatal domestic violence incident during the time span, and 15 counties had multiple fatal cases.

Lawmakers also point to studies that show an abuser’s access to a gun increases danger to victims, and when a gun is involved, the risk of death is five times higher than when an incident does not include a firearm.

“Domestic violence is a wide-ranging issue affecting families across Ohio,” Craig said. “Something must be done to protect those who are vulnerable. This bill is commonsense gun legislation that will save lives. No one who has been convicted of domestic violence should have unfettered access to firearms. This bill will prevent future violence and ensure stronger protections for survivors throughout the state.”

The bill has yet to have a hearing in the Senate.