Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced 17 new proposals Tuesday to curb gun violence after a Sunday morning shooting in Dayton left nine dead and at least 27 injured.
DeWine quickly assembled his lengthy list of legislative recommendations on gun control, answering his constituents’ emotional shouts to “Do something!” that drowned out his remarks at Sunday’s vigil.
On Tuesday, he conceded, “They were absolutely right. We must do something.”
The Ohio Republican followed President Trump’s lead in proposing a type of “red flag” law that would take guns away from potentially dangerous people. “Safety protection orders,” DeWine termed the program, would allow family members or law enforcement to flag troublesome individuals and permit a court to confiscate their firearms.
The proposal calls for a two-stage hearing system, which DeWine says was designed with due process and Second Amendment protections in mind. After an order is issued, an initial hearing, at minimum three days later, would determine if the person poses a danger to themselves or others. His or her firearms would be confiscated until a second hearing, up to 14 days later, is set to determine if an extended order, of up to six months, should be issued.
Authorities will evaluate any substance abuse, mental health problems, and prior history of violence by the person. Those under the order could appeal after three months if they prove they are no longer a threat.
Some conservatives have been hesitant over “red flag” laws, because of the potential for abuse. DeWine reassured Ohioans that due process will be protected, saying he invited the Second Amendment community to be a part of the conversation.
“We’re going to do things that matter. We’re going to do things that are constitutional. We’re going to do something that can get passed,” DeWine said.
He also touched on background checks, which he believes should be conducted in all transactions except those between family members.
DeWine, who was joined by Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, also a Republican, and his wife, Fran, went on to detail a list of 15 additional proposals he hopes will pass the Republican-controlled legislature. Several seek to address mental health issues.
Citing early warning signs in school-aged children, DeWine said he supports early intervention in schools. He plans to use $675 million in already allocated “wraparound service” funds to tackle students’ social and emotional challenges that hurt their educational performance and increase suicide. DeWine also pledged an additional $14 million in Medicaid funds to increase student access to behavioral and telehealth professionals.
He called on parents, students, and teachers to play a more active role in prevention. While a school safety tip line already exists in Ohio, DeWine wants to expand it and encouraged parents and students to utilize it more often. He also hopes more teachers will go through training provided by Sandy Hook Promise, an organization that equips school staff to recognize potential threats of violence and gives them the tools to intervene.
Under his plan, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services would play a more active role in communities, helping parents identify risk factors and connecting families to resources to manage their child’s wellness.
In Ohio, crowded mental health hospitals also pose a problem. DeWine wants to free up space in psychiatric hospitals, which he says are currently occupied by nonviolent people waiting to be declared competent for trial, for those who really need help.
In the past year, two synagogues have been the target of mass shootings. To harden these so-called soft targets, DeWine plans to set aside $9 million that religious organizations and nonprofits can use to fortify their facilities.
Like President Trump did Monday, DeWine also took aim at social media. He wants to expand the Ohio Department of Public Safety to monitor threats and identify potential warning signs on social media. The information would be shared with law enforcement and schools to follow up on potential threats.
Seven of his proposals increase penalties and minimum sentences for those who commit felonies with firearms, are felons and illegally possess firearms, and sell firearms to minors or to those who cannot buy a gun themselves. He said these harsher punishments will target the small number of people who are responsible for the majority of violence.
The Ohio General Assembly, which is controlled by Republican supermajorities in both chambers, already has several gun control bills pending.
