Leave this business unfinished

Dover-New Philadelphia Times Recorder: The Ohio House and Senate left some legislation on the table when they wrapped up their year, ending the 130th General Assembly. In at least a couple of instances, this is good.

Legislators failed to pass a bill that would repeal Ohio’s Common Core school standards, which just took effect this school year. Advocates for the repeal argue that the state hastily adopted the standards and that school districts will be forced to meet federal mandates for the content of math and English courses. Neither claim holds water. If anything, it’s the repeal that would be hasty.

As it stands now, journalists can look at records showing who is licensed to carry concealed firearms in Ohio, but they can’t copy the records. Senate Bill 60, which also failed to become law this year, would deny the press even the ability to look at these records, which are maintained by county sheriffs.

What could the public lose if there were a complete lack of transparency on this issue? For one thing, the ability to evaluate the impact, if any, of concealed-carry on crime rates. For another, the ability to see whether their local sheriff’s office is following the law on issuing permits.

Some unfinished business should stay that way. These two bills are good examples.