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Ohio House, Senate discuss several bills
By Marc Kovac
COLUMBUS
The Ohio House and Senate discussed these respective bills Wednesday at the Statehouse:
PUBLIC RECORDS BILL
Ohioans could pursue an expedited court process to resolve issues with state and local offices that refuse to allow access to public records, under legislation introduced in the Senate.
Senate President Keith Faber is carrying the bill, with hopes of streamlining the legal process and reducing potential legal fees for residents who believe officials are breaking the law.
Under the legislation, residents who have public records requests denied by state or local offices could opt for a legal dispute process, initiated with their local clerk of courts and overseen by the state’s court of claims.
An additional mediation session would take place to determine whether the issues involved could be resolved without court action.
The entire process would take about 45 days, and either party could appeal the outcome.
MILITARY CONCEALED CARRY
Active-service military men and women would be able to have concealed firearms without a state permit under legislation approved by the Senate.
SB 199 passed on a vote of 32-0 and heads to the House for further consideration.
The legislation allows concealed carry for active service members who have valid military identification cards and documentation of completion of firearms training that meets or exceeds state licensing requirements.
SALES-TAX HOLIDAY
The House approved a bill that would provide shoppers with a three-day sales-tax holiday before the start of the next school year.
SB 264 would extend the event for another year.
Passage was needed this month to ensure the holiday would be in place in August – the legislation will take effect 90 days after Gov. John Kasich adds his signature.
Ohio’s first sales-tax holiday took place last August, exempting sales taxes on clothing items priced up to $75 and school supplies and instructional materials up to $20, whether purchased in stores or through online retailers.
PARK SPENDING
Local parks districts would be able to use levy funds for community gatherings under legislation approved by the House. HB 361 passed on a vote of 95-0 and heads to the Senate for further consideration.
The legislation would reverse authorize township trustees and township park commissioners to spend levy funds for community activities that are open to the public.