Rep. Thomas Opposes Anti- Public Safety Bill Allowing Young Adults to Purchase Handguns

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati) today opposed Senate Bill (SB) 303, a bill introduced last week that would allow individuals between the ages of 18 and 21 to purchase or receive a handgun from a federally licensed firearms dealer.

“Firearms are the leading cause of death for young people aged 18-25. If we prioritize the Second Amendment over the lives of our youth, we’re making a deadly mistake. This bill isn’t just reckless—it’s a direct threat to the safety of our children. I will be lobbying with gun violence prevention groups, working alongside mayors, and doing everything I can to ensure this bill never becomes law. This is not about attacking the Second Amendment; it’s about standing up against the epidemic of death and violence that’s ravaging our youth and young adults.” said Rep. Thomas.

According to a 2023 gun violence report by the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, 1,252 children used a firearm to commit suicide. In the 20-29 age group, 4,370 young adults took their own lives with a firearm. 

While the bill has not yet been assigned to a committee, Rep. Thomas is committed to closely monitoring its progress and urges those who care about the safety of our youth and the broader public to do the same.