Ohio Senate OKs bill limiting signature gathering


COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- The Ohio Senate has passed a bill that would restrict the time groups have to collect extra signatures needed to ensure their issues get before voters.

Senators voted 23-10 along party lines Wednesday, sending the bill to the House.

Under the bill, groups couldn't gather extra signatures until the secretary of state notifies them whether their initial petitions have fallen short.

Current law already allows groups 10 days to file any added signatures once they get notification. But campaigns typically continue to collect signatures after they submit their initial petitions. That time has varied, depending on how long it takes to certify that the signatures are valid.

The bill's sponsor says he wants to give everyone a uniform number of days. Opponents say the bill erodes referendum and initiative rights.