Statewide News

A proposal in the Ohio Senate prompting concern from some public officials would make more meetings among government officials public and provide more details on government talks behind closed doors.

The proposal would expand the types of discussions subject to the law and require more information stated publicly in motions to hold closed-door sessions under Ohio's Open Meetings Act. It also would expand fees and expenses that may be recovered for violations of the act.

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.

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.