Fellow Genealogists: You've no doubt heard about the legislation pending in the Ohio Senate. Among other things, this bill would eliminate the uncertified copy of vital records for Ohio records. The only record available from the appropriate clerk would be a certified record which would not have to be an exact photocopy of the record. "A certified copy of a vital record or any part of a vital record, issued in accordance with this section, shall be considered for all purposes the same as the original and shall be prima-facie evidence of the facts stated in it in all courts and places." The bill also allows local clerks to charge for searching for records. Since they are already paid by taxpayers, why should we pay them again for doing their job? Another facet that bothers me is that a certified copy could contain only the parties directly involved, the date and place of the event. If the original document is handwritten, wouldn't you much prefer to have a photocopy of it than to have some clerk's interpretation of the names, etc.? For more information about the bill, see http://www.lsc.state.oh.us/analyses125/h0095-ph-125.pdf beginning on page 161. Right now, it's important that you contact your State Senator as the bill has already passed the Ohio House. You can find out your senator's name at http://www.senate.state.oh.us/senators/ Anyone wishing a copy of a letter that might be sent may contact me privately. Miriam Fetters