TERRORISM AND YOUR CIVIL RIGHTS

On April 14, 2006, the Ohio Senate Bill (S.B.) 9 will become effective.  This bill introduced by Senator Jeff Jacobson deals with terrorism and civil rights in Ohio. 

S.B. 9 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that covers everything from money laundering to amending motor vehicle laws.  Some items that are included in this bill include enacting offenses related to terrorism and the possession, use, or assembly of chemical weapons, biological weapons, radiological or nuclear weapons, and explosive devices; prohibiting persons entering an airport, train station or other similar site from refusing to show identification when there is a threat to security; generally prohibiting government entities from employing persons who have provided material assistance to an organization on the Terrorist Exclusion List; requiring the director of motor vehicles to ensure that the identification of an applicant for a certificate of title is reasonably accurate; requiring persons registering aircraft based in Ohio to indicate the location where the aircraft usually is based and to update the registration if that location changes; and requires the Director of Health to establish a system of volunteers as advisable and reasonably necessary to respond in an emergency involving the public’s health. 

The Legislative Services Commission’s legislative analysis of S.B. 9 lists 41 general areas that are affected in their summary.  For a complete analysis of the legislation and how it will effect your civil rights visit www.legislature.state.oh.us.   

In reading the analysis of the bill you will see that federal law already covers many amendments.   To find out positions supporting and opposing S.B. 9 plus more interpretations of the signed bill contact the sponsor, Senator Jacobson at 614-466-4538. 

If you are wondering if this passed legislation is important, it is regardless if you support or oppose it’s measures!  

This month Members of Congress will again be discussing the renewal and/or change to the Patriot Act in Washington, DC.  This piece of controversial legislation also will make amendments to your basic rights.  You may ask yourself if you support or oppose all or parts of the act as it travels from the House of Representatives to the Senate, to the conference committee, and finally to the President for his signature.  There are many forms in which this act may be amended and in how it will change or uphold your civil rights.  

For more information on this legislation Senator Mike DeWine and Senator George V. Voinovich can provide more information.  Senator DeWine can be reached at 614-469-5186 and Senator Voinovich at 614-469-6697.  Letters can be sent to their shared office at 37 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215.  The Senators and your Representative would like to know your position on how to fight terrorism and balancing your civil rights with “state” control. 

Another reason that an understanding of your civil rights is needed at this time is because of the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on surveillance without warrants.  Senator Arlen Specter, the Republican chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said that the president violated the law by developing this program. You must listen to the arguments for and against the President’s position and understand the implications if it is considered legal.

To ensure that the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings continue until the debate is finished, contact Senators DeWine and Voinovich and demand that they support Senator Specter in holding these hearings.