Ohio gun groups say they oppose any bans on the bump stocks used by the Las Vegas mass shooter to turn semi-automatic rifles into rapid-fire automatic weapons. The Buckeye Firearms Association and Ohioans for Concealed Carry say a ban would be a threat to gun rights. The National Rifle Association says it supports some restrictions but not a ban on bump stocks. Stephen Paddock equipped the rifles he used to kill 58 people and wound hundred of others earlier this month with bump stocks. Meanwhile, debate over new so-called "stand your ground" gun legislation has renewed at the Statehouse in the wake of the Las Vegas shootings. One bill would shift the burden of proof from the defendant to prosecutors in cases where deadly force is found to have been used in self defense.. Buckeye Firearms Association president Jim Irvine supports the measure.
Another bill would reduce the penalty for illegally carrying a concealed weapon and eliminate the requirement for some locations to post signs banning weapons from their properties. Michael Weinman with the Fraternal Order of Police in Ohio says his group does not support the bills. In particular, the group is opposed to removing the requirement that conceal carry permit holders keep their hands in plain sight when pulled over by an officer.
The Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association is also opposed. Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence board member Jennifer Thorne says the bills would also remove the obligation for a person to retreat before using deadly force.
Lawmakers failed to approve similar legislation in 2013.
