A proposed Ohio House bill aims to increase penalties for repeat offenders who use a firearm while committing another crime.
The Repeat Offender Act targets violent offenders with previous felony convictions who possess a firearm, as well as those who repeatedly violate weapons restrictions.
Representative Bernie Willis, a Second Amendment advocate, introduced the legislation to ensure legal gun ownership rights while preventing gun violence by holding repeat offenders accountable.
Currently, possessing a weapon under felony penalties is a third-degree felony, but the new bill would reduce the penalty for non-violent offenders to a fourth-degree felony for a first violation. However, those with a history of weapons convictions and violent crimes could face a five-year weapons enhancement penalty in addition to the original sentence.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost supports the bill, emphasizing the distinction between lawful gun owners and criminals who misuse firearms. Yost believes the legislation will enhance public safety by targeting those who use guns illegally without infringing on the rights of law-abiding citizens.
