COLUMBUS — State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) is reaffirming her unwavering support for the Second Amendment and House Bill 495, the Freedom to Carry Act, urging the Ohio House to move the legislation forward when lawmakers return.
Miller is a co-sponsor of the legislation, introduced by State Reps. Jennifer Gross and Josh Williams, which remains pending in the House Public Safety Committee.
“I have consistently supported the Second Amendment and the constitutional rights of law-abiding Ohioans. I proudly co-sponsored the Freedom to Carry Act because I believe in protecting those rights and I want to see this legislation move forward without delay,” Miller said.
She also addressed her vote against the legislative process in June, explaining that her concerns centered on how the legislation was being handled, rather than its substance.
“My vote in June was not a vote against the Second Amendment or the Freedom to Carry Act. My concern was that the process was procedurally problematic and did not provide a clear path for advancing the legislation,” Miller said.
“Ohioans deserve transparency and a legislative process that works as intended. I believe in following that proper process, but that process must also provide a genuine opportunity for legislation to be heard and advanced. Procedural steps cannot become a roadblock to action.”
Miller emphasized that her support for the legislation remains unchanged and called on the House to make significant progress when lawmakers return.
“Continued delays are frustrating for those who believe in protecting our constitutional rights. When the House returns, I urge my colleagues to move the Freedom to Carry Act forward. I remain committed to the Second Amendment and to advancing legislation that protects the rights of law-abiding Ohioans,” she said.
Miller represents Ohio’s 67th House District, which includes all of Ashland County and portions of western Medina County.