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Associated Press Coverage of Substitute HB347 |
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Written by Jeff Garvas
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Wednesday, 08 March 2006 |
When the Associated Press writes a story about a statewide political issue such as House Bill 347 their wire story is typically picked up by every newspaper statewide.
Tomorrow, we'll see almost every major newspaper have the "final" version of the AP story printed in their newspapers, sometimes with different headlines.
Tonight, we can give you a preview of the Associated Press Coverage that will appear in Wednesday's morning newspapers covering today's substitute HB347 introduction.
Lawmakers drop plan to deny access to concealed-carry lists, for now (Due to the nature of these stories, this link will likely break eventually)
First, the summary box that appears so important to the news media: (AP) — ACCESS INTACT: Under a new version of changes proposed to Ohio's two-year-old concealed weapons law, journalists would still have access to names of permit holders.
MEDIA TARGETED: Backers promised to try to end journalists' access in an open-records bill later.
PLAIN SIGHT: Proponents still want the ability to carry hidden guns in cars, but the bill would increase the penalty for failing to inform officers they are permit holders and for driving drunk while carrying a gun. From the story itself: Gun advocates say the availability of names presents a safety risk to permit holders, while those who support the media exemption say there is no proof of harm resulting from publishing the names.
Gov. Bob Taft would have vetoed the bill if it blocked journalists' access to the lists, spokesman Mark Rickel said.
Proposed revisions to the 2004 law permitting concealed weapons include allowing permit holders to keep guns hidden in their cars — another deal-breaker for Taft — and prohibiting cities and villages from having weapons bans more stringent than state or federal law.
That provision drew sharp disapproval from the Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence.
"They're going to take all rights from all cities," said Toby Hoover, the group's executive director.
However, the prohibition will provide assurances for permit holders who travel from one community to another, said John Hohenwarter, a lobbyist for the National Rifle Association.
"You can't have a situation where you drive across the state and break 50 laws. Ohio is overdue for this," Hohenwarter said.
The protection of journalists' access to the lists that had been included in the weapons bill will be inserted instead in a public records bill, said Rep. Jim Aslanides, a Coshocton Republican who is sponsoring the hidden weapons legislation.
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