Dems will propose protecting SSNs, unlocking audit records

Media advisory: Wednesday, March 15, 2006

CONTACT: John Kohlstrand (614) 466-9036 or (614) 595-4936

Dems will propose protecting SSNs, unlocking audit records

Ohio House Democrats today will offer amendments designed to protect the public’s right to know and right to privacy during a committee hearing on House Bill 9, a public records proposal.

The House Civil and Commercial Law Committee is expected to vote on H.B. 9 at 9:30 a.m. today in Room 114 of the Ohio Statehouse. There is a strong possibility that House rules may be suspended to allow a full House vote on H.B. 9 during a floor session scheduled at 1:30 p.m. today.

Rep. Michael J. Skindell, D-Lakewood, is expected to offer an amendment to require that all public offices redact Social Security numbers from public records before releasing them to the public. His amendment is similar to House Bill 528, legislation introduced last week by state Representative Lorraine Fende, D-Willowick to protect Ohioans from identity theft. Her bill is a response to the fact that thousands of Social Security numbers appear on a Web site overseen by Secretary of State Ken Blackwell.

Meanwhile, Assistant Minority Leader Todd Book, D-Portsmouth, is expected to propose repealing a 1991 law sponsored by then-state Sen. Bob Ney that shields from public scrutiny the working papers of private companies hired to audit public agencies.

 At least one news organization has sought the work papers used in Crowe Chizek & Co.’s audit of the rare coin funds managed by GOP insider Tom Noe. The request was denied because of the 1991 law.

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