Debit cards allowed for support payments

COLUMBUS - The state will begin a pilot program in May allowing child support recipients to get payments by debit cards instead of checks in the mail.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services will test the program in six counties: Fairfield and Franklin in central Ohio; Clermont and Green in southwest Ohio; Richland in north-central Ohio and Holmes in the northeast.

School-zone speeders may face double fines

FRANKFORT, Ky. - A bill to double the fines for speeding in school zones was approved Thursday by the House Transportation Committee. Rep. Charles Miller, a high school principal from Louisville, said the common cause of traffic accidents near schools is speeding.

Some questioned whether the bill would be effective.

Rep. Jimmie Lee, D-Elizabethtown, said the prospect of a higher fine "is not a deterrent to those who have not been caught yet."

Rally supports tougher child-seat law

INDIANAPOLIS - Supporters of a tougher child safety-seat law recalled children who have died in traffic accidents as they urged legislators Thursday to pass a bill that would require those younger than 8 to be buckled in booster seats when in cars.

Current state law requires children through age 3 to be in safety seats while riding in motor vehicles.