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An Ohio senator is again trying to repeal part of Ohio's concealed carry law that allows journalists to review records on issuance, renewal, suspension and revocation of state permits to carry a concealed weapon.

(PD file)

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio lawmakers are again trying to block journalists' access to county sheriffs' records on concealed handgun permits.

A budget provision added by a state Senate committee Tuesday would repeal part of Ohio's concealed carry law that allows journalists to review records on the issuance, renewal, suspension and revocation of state permits to carry a concealed handgun.

As the public as a whole already is blocked from viewing these records, the change would mean such records could only be obtained with a court order.

Under current law, journalists who view concealed handgun records aren't allowed to bring in writing utensils with them or make copies.

State Sen. Joe Uecker, a southwest Ohio Republican who offered the amendment, said in an interview that Ohioans have a right to expect that their private records should remain exactly that - private.

The senator also noted that in recent years, newspapers in Ohio and elsewhere controversially published maps with the names and addresses of gun permit holders, raising concerns that burglars could exploit such information.

"A great number of people believe that that violates their Second Amendment right, that they have a right to expect privacy with their CCW," Uecker said.

Uecker unsuccessfully introduced a similar proposal during the last legislative session. He said he's more optimistic the measure will pass this time.

Ohio Newspaper Association Executive Director Dennis Hetzel said he was "disappointed" to see the proposal.

Hetzel said he couldn't think of any instance in which Ohio journalists have used their ability to access concealed handgun records, but he said reporters could use such access to, for example, see whether an armed robber had a conceal-carry permit.

Hetzel also expressed concern that the proposal, if passed, would result in officials around Ohio maintaining secret databases of public records.

"The First Amendment should be as important as the Second Amendment," he said.