Statewide News

Ohio Lawmakers: Disarm Domestic Violence Suspects

Associated Press — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:08:28 +0000

A group of Democratic lawmakers in Ohio say domestic-violence deaths can be prevented by taking guns away from people served with restraining orders.

Legislation introduced by Rep. Bob Hagan, a Youngstown Democrat, would require those subject to domestic-violence protection orders to temporarily give up their weapons to law enforcement within 24 hours of being served.

The bill would also give defendants the option to sell their weapons to a licensed federal dealer instead of handing them over.

Ohio-Indiana Drone Aircraft Test Site Promoted

Associated Press — Tue, 07 May 2013 12:04:00 +0000

All 11 members of the Indiana congressional delegation have co-signed a letter to federal officials supporting an Ohio-Indiana bid for one of six drone aircraft test sites.

The delegation wrote Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Michael Huerta, saying the two states have the military and civil resources needed to be a leader in unmanned aircraft systems.

Proposals were due Monday. The FAA is expected to select sites by the end of the year.

Ohio Leads US in Claims for Metal Thefts

Associated Press — Thu, 02 May 2013 11:04:00 +0000

A new report says Ohio leads the nation in insurance claims for metal thefts.

A National Insurance Crime Bureau report released Wednesday showed Ohio filed 3,228 claims from 2010 through 2012. That's 23 percent more than second-place Texas.

The numbers don't necessarily mean there are more metal thefts in Ohio, only that businesses and homeowners file more claims in the state. The Columbus Dispatch reported that Ohio insurance officials say they're not sure why more claims are filed in the state.

Ohio Senate Panel Passes Internet Cafe Moratorium

Associated Press — Wed, 01 May 2013 10:35:00 +0000

An Ohio Senate panel has approved a bill to immediately halt the expansion of Internet cafes.

The measure that cleared the Senate's government oversight committee on Tuesday would extend a current moratorium on the opening of new sweepstakes gambling operations until June 2014. It would require operators of current facilities to file more thorough affidavits with the state, or they could face a fine.

A full Senate vote could come Wednesday.

DeWine Backs Proposed Law That Could Lead to Longer Sentences for Career Criminals

Karen Kasler (Ohio Public Radio) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:04:00 +0000

Most violent crimes in Ohio are committed by people who have at least two felony convictions. Statehouse correspondent Karen Kasler reports on a bill coming this week that seeks to cut down on gun-related crimes by locking up those people.