Toledo Reporter

State Senators Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) and Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati) provided sponsor testimony for Senate Bill 209 today. The proposed legislation seeks to increase the penalty for reckless failure to report a lost or stolen firearm in Ohio from a fourth-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor.

“The theft of unsecured guns from homes and vehicles contributes to guns falling into the hands of people who are not allowed to possess a gun,” stated Hicks-Hudson. “This is a reasonable gun violence prevention measure that would help law enforcement better keep firearms out of the hands of potentially dangerous individuals.”

Senate Bill 209 aims to prevent unauthorized and potentially dangerous individuals from obtaining firearms by increasing the penalty for failing to report lost or stolen guns. This measure is intended to reduce underground gun sales and illegal firearms trafficking.

“The increase in reported stolen or missing firearms in tandem with rising gun violence is a threat to Ohioans’ safety,” said Ingram. “Gun violence is a growing public health crisis. This legislation would enhance public safety and encourage gun owners to exercise responsible ownership of their firearms.”

Statistics indicate that hundreds of thousands of guns are stolen annually, with reports showing a nearly 60% increase in stolen firearms between 2006 and 2016. Research suggests many stolen firearms are linked to violent crime.

Senate Bill 209 is currently awaiting further hearings in the Veterans and Public Safety Committee.