Ohio GOP Gov. DeWine signs bill allowing teachers to carry gun after 24 hours training

Under the new law, local school boards still have the ability to prohibit firearms on their campuses

Ohio GOP Gov. Mike DeWine signed a bill Monday making it easier for teachers to carry guns in schools, capping the required training to no more than 24 hours.

Teachers and other school employees previously were required to complete the same basic training as law enforcement, which took over 700 hours.

Under the new law, local school boards still have the ability to prohibit firearms on their campuses. Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb said last week his school district intends to ban non-security personnel from carrying on campuses.

DeWine after signing the bill thanked the Legislature for "passing this bill to protect Ohio children and teachers." And he made clear: "This does not require any school to arm teachers or staff,” he said. “Every school will make its own decision."