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State Lawmakers Veto Own Criminal Checks
Ohio legislators have determined that a whole host of professionals in their state need criminal background checks. The list of professionals slated for background checks includes prospective dentists, veterinarians, marriage therapists, dietitians and embalmers. But conspicuously missing from the list: the legislators themselves.
In a session that included the passing of six bills with unanimous support, the Ohio Senate bogged down on House Bill 104. The bill would require state boards to conduct criminal background checks if they issue professional licenses based on criteria that include criminal records.
During the debate surrounding the bill, Sen. John Boccieri proposed that all legislative candidates undergo a criminal background check, with the results posted online. The Democrat reasoned that legislators should be held to the same standard as other professionals covered in HB 104.
Moments after Boccieri offered his amendment, Sen. Jeff Jacobson (R-Vandalia) objected to further consideration of the amendment.
In a vote, the chamber voted 19-13 to kill the amendment. The bill without the legislative background checks eventually passed.
Opponents of the amendment insist that their veto does not mean lawmakers have something to hide, but rather they were objecting to an amendment that they felt was a cheap campaign stunt in the first place.
(Source: http://www.columbusdispatch.com)
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