The Ohio house of representatives recently passed the stand your ground bill by a vote of 64 to 26. House Bill 228 add protections for people who fired a gun in self defense.
Stand your ground laws protect people who defend themselves against an attacker.
Citizens in states that do not have stand your ground laws can face criminal prosecution for shooting someone in self defense. Stand your ground laws are intended to protect citizens from prosecution. Current law requires the individual to prove it was self defense. The bill would put the burden on the state to prove it was not self defense.
According to local reports:
“The bill can be explained like this: if someone shoots in self-defense, the burden is on the shooter to prove that’s why they did it. With a “stand your ground” law, the burden shifts to the prosecutor to prove the shooting was not justified.”
The bill would also eliminate the duty to retreat. It will also eliminate the requirement for businesses to post gun free zone signs. Governor John Kasich has threatened to veto the bill if it makes it through the senate. House Speaker Ryan Smith says Republicans have enough votes to override the veto.
Gun control proponents oppose these protections for individuals and want more failed gun control policies. Someone should not have to choose between protecting their life or going to prison. Stand your ground laws deter criminals from attacking people and keep would be victims from being prosecuted.