ACTION ITEM: Journalist Loophole Bill Moving PDF Print E-mail
Misc
Written by Jeff Garvas   
Thursday, 09 November 2006 07:50

ACTION ITEM: CALL YOUR SENATOR TODAY.
(see full story for contact numbers)

Next Wednesday, November 15th at 11:00am, the Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee on Civil Justice will hold their third hearing on Representative Oelslager's House Bill 9, which substantially revises Ohio's Public Records law.

An amendment was made to this public records bill. The amendment was written by Representative Tom Brinkman and would allow a concealed handgun licensee to prohibit the disclosure of their personal information to a journalist. The Ohio House passed HB9, including that amendment, by a vote of 93-1. Governor Bob Taft expressed opposition to the amendment, as did the bill's sponsor when it was modified in the Ohio House.

Thirteen Democrats, including Party Chairman Chris Redfern, voted to restrict access to licensee data, causing the amendment to pass by a 51-43 vote. At the time The Columbus Dispatch said:
House Minority Leader Joyce Beatty, D-Columbus, said that although fellow Democrats support more access to public records, those who voted to restrict gun records "also have to go home to their districts where their constituents support concealed carry."
If the Democrats see the importance of the Brinkman amendment we know we're making progress.

...Governor Bob Taft has threatened to veto HB9 because of the amendment. If the Ohio Senate modifies HB9 it will go back to the Ohio House for them to concur with changes. Changes could include stripping the amendment from HB9, giving the Ohio House an easy way to go along with removing the amendment.

If the Senate simply passes HB9, the amendment to restrict licensee information from the news media will remain in the bill and go to Governor Bob Taft. It is vital that you call your Ohio Senator today and tell them that you want Representative Brinkman's Concealed Handgun Amendment to remain in HB9.

TWO EASY WAYS TO FIND YOUR STATE SENATOR'S PHONE NUMBER:



Either go to http://VoteYourGuns.com (and fill out the gray box)

...or go to http://www.legislature.state.oh.us (and enter your zip code into the box on the lower right corner titled "Locating Legislators") - When their name appears click on it to find their phone number.

All offices are in the 614 area code. Please take a moment to pick up the phone today and tell your State Senator that you want Representative Brinkman's Concealed Carry Amendment to stay in House Bill 9 when the Senate takes it up for consideration.

(if you're reading this after hours call anyway and leave a voicemail)