Statewide News

Journalists would need a court order to access Ohio's handgun license records under proposed changes to the state's concealed carry law.

Reporters in the state are allowed to view the name, birthdate and county of residence of a permit holder. But journalists are not allowed to copy the information.

Sponsoring Sen. Joseph Uecker says he fears Ohio news outlets could publish a map showing the licensees' information. The Loveland Republican says journalists can memorize the data.

New guidelines regulating exotic animals in Ohio will require owners to meet new caging, safety and caretaking standards.

The new rules were reviewed and OK'd Wednesday by the state's legislative rule-setting committee.

The regulations come as the state prepares to begin issuing new permits this fall to owners. Permit holders must obtain the authorization document by 2014 to keep their dangerous wildlife.

Supporters of expanding the Medicaid program to include more low-income people are urging Ohio lawmakers to restore the proposal to the state budget.

The group Advocates for Ohio's Future said Tuesday that it's open to separate legislation that achieves the same goal, as long as it's passed by June 30, the same deadline the budget faces.

The governor's budget proposal called for an expansion of Medicaid under the federal health care law. But the Legislature has largely kept the idea separate from the budget bill.