Ohio Republicans again faced with calls to enact gun reforms

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Prompted to act by the bloodshed in Dayton, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine proposed a package of measures Tuesday that he says will address mass shootings, declaring, “We can come together to do these things to save lives.” Yet members of DeWine’s own party have repeatedly blocked gun-control measures in the Legislature, leaving the fate of his proposals uncertain. DeWine’s proposals include requiring background checks for nearly all gun sales in Ohio, allowing courts to restrict firearms access for people perceived as threats, increasing community support to identify mental health risks, expanding use of the state’s school safety tip line and beefing up social media monitoring. “Now with Dayton, this really puts the heat on the Legislature, and I’m really optimistic and hopeful that this can happen.” Senate President Larry Obhof slipped quietly into DeWine’s news conference Tuesday and, later in the day, his spokesman said the Republican leader would start “thorough and deliberative consideration” right away. Irvine, who was among those invited to DeWine’s news conference, said the governor’s proposals are welcome, including one that would add mental health records to the state’s background check system.