When you keep up with gun policy in state legislatures, proposals like the one from Ohio Democratic state Representative Darnell Brewer tend to stand out for how they navigate familiar tensions. Brewer introduced Amya’s Law in early May 2026, aiming to address child access to firearms through targeted accountability rather than broad mandates. The measure comes in response to ongoing concerns about accidental shootings, and it reflects a careful framing that seeks to respect existing rights while pushing for practical safeguards in homes across the state.
The Incident That Inspired Amya’s Law
Eleven-year-old Amya Frazier died in December 2025 after her cousin got hold of his father’s unsecured handgun in Columbus. The tragedy unfolded during what should have been ordinary play, and it left her family devastated. Her mother and grandmother later stood with Brewer at a press conference, emphasizing that the loss stemmed from a preventable lapse in how the weapon was kept.
They described the pain in raw terms that cut through typical policy talk, highlighting how one moment of neglect changed everything for their family. The story has since driven the push for Amya’s Law, framing the bill around real consequences rather than abstract rules.
Breaking Down the Bill’s Core Provisions
The legislation triggers penalties only if a minor actually accesses a negligently stored firearm and then causes harm. For cases resulting in physical harm to someone, the gun owner faces a first-degree misdemeanor. When the harm rises to a serious level, it escalates to a fourth-degree felony.
This setup avoids any upfront requirement to store guns a certain way. Instead, it steps in after an incident occurs, creating consequences tied directly to outcomes. Prosecutors would still need to prove negligence and access, keeping the focus narrow and tied to evidence of harm.
Built-In Support for Safer Storage
Brewer included practical incentives to make secure storage easier for everyday owners. The bill offers a nonrefundable state income tax credit of up to $250 for purchasing gun safes, lockboxes, or trigger locks. It also exempts those same safety devices from sales tax, lowering the upfront cost for families who want them…