Johnson Testifies on Bill to Strengthen Ohio's Self-Defense Laws
November 20, 2019
Terry Johnson News
COLUMBUS—State Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) testified today in the Senate's Government Oversight and Reform Committee on his legislation which would strengthen Ohio's self-defense laws by removing the requirement for a person to retreat before using deadly force in self-defense.
Under this bill, a person must reasonably believe it is necessary to act in order to prevent death or great bodily harm to themselves or another, or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony. The individual must also have the right to be at the location where force is used and not be engaged in a crime.
"We in Ohio have a duty to defend the United States Constitution, and the people who are using their 2nd Amendment rights," said Johnson. "I believe that self-defense is a basic, natural human right and people should be able to use necessary force in order to defend themselves."
The majority of states have adopted similar legislation, including all of Ohio’s neighboring states.
To read Senator Johnson's sponsor testimony, click here. To learn more about Senate Bill 237, click here.
Under this bill, a person must reasonably believe it is necessary to act in order to prevent death or great bodily harm to themselves or another, or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony. The individual must also have the right to be at the location where force is used and not be engaged in a crime.
"We in Ohio have a duty to defend the United States Constitution, and the people who are using their 2nd Amendment rights," said Johnson. "I believe that self-defense is a basic, natural human right and people should be able to use necessary force in order to defend themselves."
The majority of states have adopted similar legislation, including all of Ohio’s neighboring states.
To read Senator Johnson's sponsor testimony, click here. To learn more about Senate Bill 237, click here.