State Senator Proposes 911 Tape Restrictions

Kentucky state Sen. John Schickel has introduced legislation to restrict the release of 911 calls to printed transcripts only, claiming radio and TV stations are playing the tapes only to attract more viewers. A state press association representative objected to the new law and Schickel’s remarks, saying the open records law allows the public to oversee their goverment, and that the media use 911 logging tapes only for that purpose. Schickel, who is a former U.S. Marshal, noted that 911 tapes are public records now, but under the new law would be limited to printed transcripts, with certain details redacted. Download (pdf) the proposed legislation here. Update: The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the bill on Feb. 4th, and the bill now heads to the full Senate for a vote.