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Ohio Backs Tougher Prison Terms For Gun Crimes
By: Associated Press
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Ohioans who repeatedly use guns to commit crimes would face tougher penalties under a proposed new law backed by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and fellow Republicans.
DeWine joined state Sen. Jim Hughes of Columbus, and Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien Monday to announce the Violent Career Criminal Act.
The proposal is aimed at reducing violent gun crimes. It comes as President Barack Obama and others are citing the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn., in efforts to boost registration and background check requirements for gun owners.
DeWine said he doesn't want to take guns away from law-abiding citizens, but wants to take violent offenders away from guns.
The Ohio bill would impose longer prison sentences for certain repeat offenders convicted of violent crimes involving a firearm.