Rep. Brewer Introduces 'Amya's Law,' Several Other Gun Violence Prevention Bills

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Darnell T. Brewer (D-Cleveland) today held a press conference to introduce "Amya's Law," legislation named after 11-year-old Amya Frazier, whose life was cut short in a preventable incident involving an unsecured firearm.

Amya's family joined Rep. Brewer to unveil the legislation aimed at preventing child access to firearms. This bill would hold firearm owners accountable if a minor gains access to their negligently stored firearm and uses it to cause physical harm.

"Amya's Law" includes:

• First degree misdemeanor for improper storage resulting in a minor causing physical harm to themselves or others.
• Fourth degree felony for improper storage resulting in a minor causing serious physical harm to themselves or others.
• A nonrefundable income tax credit of up to $250 for gun safes, lockboxes, and trigger locks.
• A sales tax exemption for firearm safety devices.
• A voluntary temporary storage option for gun owners to store firearms with a licensed dealer or law enforcement agency during difficult or high-risk periods.
• Creates a free, safe storage educational pamphlet published by the Ohio Attorney General's Office.
  

"This legislation was crafted to respect the Second Amendment. It is clear, narrowly tailored, and aligned with existing bipartisan efforts. But Amya's Law is built on one clear principle: Responsible gun ownership includes protecting children from unauthorized access," said Rep. Brewer.

Rep. Brewer also announced four other bills to address Ohio's gun violence crisis:

1. The Foster Safe Storage Act - requires foster caregivers to safely and securely store their firearms.
2. The Ohio Public Safety Savings and Prevention Act - creates the Office of Violence Prevention within the Ohio Department of Health to ensure that communities and law enforcement have the tools, partnerships, and evidence-based strategies needed to keep Ohioans safe.
3. The Ohio Mental Health Systems Coordination and Crisis Prevention Commission Act - will form a commission to study gaps in mental health care, service coordination, and crisis interventions, and make recommendations to improve statewide prevention, response, and accountability.
4. Legislation to designate June as Gun Violence Awareness Month in Ohio.

"The time is now to pass legislation to prevent any more gun deaths in Ohio," added Rep. Brewer. "Amya Frazier should be here today. The state of Ohio has failed Amya and the thousands of other Ohioans killed by gun violence each year."

Today's announcement brings the total number of gun violence prevention legislation introduced in the 136th General Assembly by Rep. Brewer to 15. "Amya's Law," and the other bills included in this press release, will be formally introduced in the coming days.

EDITOR'S NOTE: A photo of Rep. Brewer and Amya Frazier's family speaking at the press conference is attached to this release.