'Stand Your Ground' Legislation Signed Into Law In Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH — Gov. Mike DeWine signed a controversial "stand your ground" bill into law on Monday.

Senate Bill 175 allows Ohioans to shoot someone if they are in fear of harm and deadly force is necessary. Anyone firing their weapon at a person must be at their residence or defending themselves or someone else from harm, according to the legislation.

The amended Senate Bill 175 effectively eliminates the requirement for anyone to retreat from a dangerous situation before using a gun.

Several Democrats requested DeWine veto the legislation, rather than sign it into law. State Rep. Phil Robinson said the bill creates a "shoot first" and "kill at will" system in Ohio. His comments were echoed by other Ohio Democrats.

Despite spending months asking the Ohio General Assembly to take up firearm safety bills proposed by his office, DeWine signed Senate Bill 175 into law on Monday.

"I have always believed that it is vital that law-abiding citizens have the right to legally protect themselves when confronted with a life-threatening situation. While campaigning for Governor, I expressed my support for removing the ambiguity in Ohio’s self-defense law, and Senate Bill 175 accomplishes this goal. That is why I have signed this bill today," DeWine said in a statement on Monday.

The governor added that he was disappointed by the Ohio House's and Senate's decision to ignore gun control legislation during recent sessions.

The governor has specifically requested law enforcement agencies be required to input background information, like felony convictions and restraining orders, into the national background check system in a timely manner.

He has also asked the General Assembly to consider stiffer penalties for anyone caught illegally in possession of a gun.

"Everyone who cares about these issues knows that the provisions I am requesting in no way infringe upon the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens to own firearms. They know what I am asking for is to make it harder for guns to get into the hands of criminals. These provisions will save lives. These provisions need to become law," DeWine said.