Late Thursday night, the Ohio House passed a "stand your ground" amendment to Senate Bill 175.
The amendment would allow a civilian with a gun to shoot someone else if they are not an aggressor, they are in fear of harm and deadly force is necessary, and they are "in a place in which they lawfully have the right to be."
The original intent of Senate Bill 175 was to grant immunity to nonprofit organizations, so they are not legally liable if they decided to allow licensed gun owners to bring guns onto their premises, into events or inside their vehicles.
Rep. Kyle Koehler, R-Springfield, said the amendment extends the castle doctrine that allows a citizen to defend themselves inside their home or vehicle.
Opponents of the amendment also voiced their opinions Thursday night.
“People of color die disproportionately because of these laws," Rep. Erica Crawley, D- Columbus, said. "It should not be the case, and if it is we should be able to talk about that.”
The bill will now head back to Senate. If passed there, it will go to Gov. Mike DeWine's desk.