Craig Responds to Mass Shooting, Reintroduces Comprehensive Gun Safety Legislation

Today, state Senator Hearcel Craig (D-Columbus) issued a statement in response to the shooting that left a teenager dead and multiple people injured in his district on July 4th.

“I am so deeply troubled by these recent events, particularly the senseless and heartbreaking murder of 17-year-old Cameron Moore,” said Craig. “Moments like this remind us just how sacred life is, especially when it’s taken before it’s had a real chance to begin. Every life is so incredibly precious, and it is devastating to see it stolen through such preventable and thoughtless acts. What happened last weekend was unacceptable. Every Ohioan deserves to live in safe communities, free from the fear of senseless gun violence. While we mourn the young life lost, we must also act. Thoughts and prayers alone will never be enough. We must pass meaningful, commonsense legislation to prevent these tragedies from happening again.”
 
Senator Craig also announced that he will reintroduce his full slate of gun safety legislation from the 135th Ohio General Assembly. In addition to the already introduced Senate Bill 96, which authorizes a tax credit for handgun training and firearms storage, and Senate Bill 98, which prohibits firearm possession for individuals convicted of certain domestic violence offenses, Craig has introduced legislation that would:

• Repeal Ohio's statewide ban on local gun laws, allowing cities and towns to create their own firearms regulations;
• Enact the Suicide Self-Defense Act, allowing individuals to enroll to prohibit themselves from purchasing, possessing, or transporting firearms;
• Give gun owners the option to store their firearms with regulated gun dealers or shooting range owners outside of the home;
• Offer an income tax break to gun owners who exhibit safe handling and safe storage practices; and
• Ban the import, manufacture, sale, and possession of bump stocks and similar accessories designed to accelerate a firearm's rate of fire.

“We cannot continue to accept a status quo where, every day, preventable gun violence claims lives,” Craig continued. “These are common-sense solutions that respect the rights of responsible gun owners while prioritizing public safety. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in taking action.”