Yesterday, the Ohio House Federalism and Interstate Commerce Committee passed House Bill 228 by a party line vote. HB 228 now heads to the House floor for further consideration and could receive a vote as early as today. It is important that you immediately contact your state Representative and strongly urge them to SUPPORT House Bill 228.

This important self-defense legislation would change Ohio’s longstanding problem of placing the burden of proof on the defendant in a self-defense situation. HB 228 would place the burden of disproving a self-defense claim onto the prosecution, similar to how it is in almost every other state. Further, House Bill 228 would expand the locations that a person has no duty to retreat from before using force to defend themselves under both civil and criminal law.

Again, please contact your state Representative and strongly urge them to SUPPORT House Bill 228.