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.
The Ohio Newspaper Association opposes the measure. Executive Director Dennis Hetzel says it would be virtually impossible for an organization to produce a database like the one Uecker envisions.
Hetzel says journalists have found convicted felons who improperly received licenses to carry concealed weapons.