Birth and death certificates are important resources for any family historian researching the family tree. For those with Ohio ancestors, the price of obtaining those vital records could get more expensive if a bill passed by the House is approved by the Senate. The House budget bill contains a provision that would prevent state and local officials from offering uncertified copies to the public—more expensive certified copies would take their place. The state has issued a new fee of $5 per certified copy, raising the cost per copy to at least $12, since counties can't charge any less than $7. Currently, Ohio sells uncertified copies of vital records for only 5 cents per copy. This cheap fee is great for genealogists collecting research materials but doesn't cover the state's costs. In 2002, the state of Ohio spent $200,000 searching for vital-records documents and making uncertified copies. At 5 cents a copy, the state raked in a mere $3,500. The proposed elimination of uncertified copies and the $5 state fee will fund the digitization of vital records and help curtail fraudulent use. Upon completion of digitization, the public will be able to access digital records online and at electronic kiosks at local registrars' offices. Sally Rolls Pavia Sun City, AZ [email protected] List Owner: [email protected] "Today is tomorrow's history." All incoming and outgoing email checked by Norton Anti-Virus 2002