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Lame Duck Session Could Bring Battle Over Ohio Gun Laws

Ohio Gov. John Kasich
Gage Skidmore
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Flickr

Ohio lawmakers are preparing to return to the Statehouse for what looks like a busy lame duck session. Legislators are expected to pass a slew of bills before the year ends.

Gov. John Kasich is among the many state leaders preparing for what could be a big fight over hot button bills including the "Stand Your Ground" bill, which makes it easier to use lethal force in self-defense.

Republican lawmakers have hinted at moving the "Stand Your Ground" bill,HB 228, but Kasich says he would veto the bill if it reaches his desk. The bill also blocks local governments from passing gun control laws.

The gun bill Kasich does want them to approve is the “Red Flag Law,” which allows people to ask a court to confiscate someone’s firearms if they seem to pose a threat.

“It would be a terrible mistake not to do it in this lame duck session because when you get into the next session, everyone’s going to be worried about who’s going to yell at them,” Kasich said.

Kasich points to the latest mass shooting in a southern California bar as proof that Ohio needs to pass his so-called common sense gun regulations. But House Speaker Ryan Smith says the chamber won't take up HB 585, which includes Kasich's "red flag law" as well as a ban on bump stocks.

Andy Chow is a general assignment state government reporter who focuses on environmental, energy, agriculture, and education-related issues. He started his journalism career as an associate producer with ABC 6/FOX 28 in Columbus before becoming a producer with WBNS 10TV.