Columbus and Dayton settle suit with Ohio over gun-background checks

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A lawsuit over gun background checks in Ohio has been settled nearly four years after the cities of Columbus and Dayton sued the state.

The office of Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein announced Monday a settlement has been reached to improve the state's criminal background check system. The settlement said it aims to "improve transparency, technology and communication to ensure agencies are able to upload criminal data more quickly and efficiently."

Among the changes agreed upon in the settlement include the state supporting a system to submit mandatory criminal reports, creating an online dashboard showing rates of compliance by reporting agencies, and the state applying for technology upgrades on background check systems.

Additionally, mailed paper reporting will no longer be used and more training for agencies will be offered. The settlement requires that the state submit quarterly progress reports for three years.

Klein, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, and then Dayton mayor Nan Whaley announced the lawsuit in November 2020 claiming that gaps in Ohio’s background check databases allowed thousands of people prohibited from possessing firearms, because of a criminal conviction, could legally purchase a gun.

Read the full settlement below