Taft concern for Home Rule evaporates; HB9 signed into law
By Chad D. Baus
In a surprisingly brief article (especially given how hard the media has pushed for this bill for the past two years), the Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that Governor Taft has signed House Bill 9. The Act will become law in 90 days.
From the story:
Substitute House Bill 9 requires that all public officials or their designees attend training programs and seminars about Ohio's public records law.
Additionally, all elected offices must adopt a public records policy and provide an explanation when a request for public records is denied.
...Another provision in the legislation allows journalists to view concealed-weapon permits granted by county sheriffs, but prohibits law enforcement officials from making photocopies of the records for reporters.
In a prepared statement, Gov. Taft said "I am pleased to sign House Bill 9, which will make state and local government officials more accountable, and I appreciate the work of the Ohio General Assembly for passing this important piece of legislation."
As Buckeye Firearms Association Legislative Chair Ken Hanson pointed out recently, media support for, and Taft's signing of, this legislation provides still more proof that opposition to the statewide preemption of local gun laws over feigned home rule concerns was in actuality nothing more than a way for anti-gunners to claok their true motives.
The following language will become law when House Bill 9 takes effect:
For the full text of this article and language excerpt from the new bill please visit
buckeyefirearms.org/article3468.html