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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 2026
Media Contact:
Devyn Giannetti: (216) 698-3562; dgiannetti01@cuyahogacounty.gov
Cuyahoga County Unanimously Passes Tamir Rice Act, First Ohio County to Ban Gun-Shaped Novelty Lighters
Ordinance advances prevention-focused public safety and encourages communities nationwide to follow
CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH—Today, the Cuyahoga County Council unanimously approved the Tamir Rice Act, landmark legislation authored by County Councilman Michael J. Houser Sr. prohibiting the retail sale and display of gun-shaped novelty lighters throughout Cuyahoga County.
The ordinance makes Cuyahoga County the first county in Ohio to prohibit the retail sale and display of gun-shaped novelty lighters, establishing a prevention-focused approach to public safety by removing products intentionally designed to resemble real firearms from retail shelves.
Named in honor of Tamir Rice, the 12-year-old Cleveland boy whose death became a national symbol of the consequences of mistaken identity, the ordinance seeks to reduce preventable risks before tragedy occurs. While some Ohio municipalities have previously regulated novelty lighters because of fire safety concerns, the Tamir Rice Act is believed to be the first county ordinance in Ohio specifically addressing gun-shaped novelty lighters as a public safety and violence prevention measure.
For Councilman Michael J. Houser Sr., the legislation is rooted in a simple principle: when government has the opportunity to reduce a preventable risk, it has a responsibility to act.
Councilman Michael J. Houser Sr. said:
“The Tamir Rice Act asks one simple question: If we have the ability to reduce the risk of another child being mistaken for carrying what appears to be a real firearm, why wouldn’t we act? Public safety is strongest when we prevent tragedy before it happens. This legislation removes a needless danger from our communities while honoring Tamir Rice’s legacy through meaningful action. My hope is that today’s vote is not the end of this conversation, but the beginning of a national movement encouraging communities across America to identify preventable risks and act before another family experiences an unimaginable loss.”
The legislation passed unanimously with co-sponsorship from Council Members Patrick Kelly, Meredith Turner, Robert E. Schleper Jr., Martin J. Sweeney, Sunny M. Simon, Michael Gallagher, Pernel Jones Jr., Mark Casselberry, Vice President Yvonne M. Conwell, and Council President Dale Miller, reflecting broad bipartisan support for a commonsense measure focused on protecting children and preventing avoidable tragedies.
That message has resonated well beyond Cuyahoga County.
Since its introduction, the Tamir Rice Act has drawn support from nationally recognized leaders in civil rights and violence prevention, including Attorney Benjamin Crump, founder of Ben Crump Law; DeRay McKesson, Executive Director of Campaign Zero; and Greg Jackson, former Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The legislation has also received national media attention and has been recognized as a model that other communities could pursue.
The ordinance has also earned recognition from leaders working every day to prevent violence before it occurs.
The Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement (MONSE) issued the following statement:
“Treating violence as a public health issue means emphasizing prevention and intervention, addressing risks before they put lives in danger. I commend Councilman Michael J. Houser Sr. for championing the Tamir Rice Act, a commonsense measure that pushes back against the normalization of firearms. We encourage communities across the country to continue pursuing innovative solutions to prevent violence.”
Public safety leaders have likewise praised the legislation’s proactive approach.
Antonio Stitt, Chief of Police for the North Randall Police Department, said:
“I believe the Tamir Rice Act is a positive step toward reducing the possibility of mistaken identity in life-threatening situations. Any effort that helps prevent unnecessary tragedies while enhancing public safety deserves our support.”
The unanimous passage of the Tamir Rice Act also reflects Cuyahoga County’s broader commitment to investing in prevention, intervention, and evidence-based strategies that strengthen communities before violence occurs.
Myesha Watkins, Administrator of the Cuyahoga County Office of Violence Prevention, said:
"While nothing can erase the pain of the past, we can honor Tamir's legacy through education, community awareness, and strong partnerships that help protect future generations. Our hope is that the Tamir Rice Act will save lives, empower communities, and create a lasting legacy of safety."
To mark passage of the ordinance, Cuyahoga County will host a public press conference at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, at Cuyahoga County Administrative Headquarters, 2079 East Ninth Street, 4th Floor Committee Room B.
Councilman Houser will be joined by community leaders and partners to discuss implementation of the Tamir Rice Act and the importance of prevention-focused public safety.
The press conference will conclude with remarks from Samaria Rice, whose advocacy in honor of her son has inspired communities across the country to pursue meaningful action to protect children and prevent future tragedies.
Members of the media will have an opportunity to hear from speakers and ask questions following the program.
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