Bill > SB88

This bill modifies Ohio law to create new restrictions on the purchase and ownership of certain real property, specifically targeting properties classified as "protected property," which includes agricultural land, property near military installations, and property near critical infrastructure. The bill prohibits certain foreign entities, governments, businesses, and individuals from purchasing or acquiring protected property in Ohio, including citizens of foreign adversary countries, businesses headquartered in foreign adversary countries, and businesses owned or controlled by such entities. If a prohibited entity acquires protected property, they must divest themselves of the property within two years. The bill requires county auditors to verify property transfers and report potential violations to county sheriffs, who can then investigate and refer cases to county prosecutors. The secretary of state must maintain a registry of foreign adversaries and potentially threatening entities, consulting various federal lists to compile this information. The bill aims to protect Ohio's agricultural production, critical infrastructure, security, and military defense by limiting property acquisitions by potentially hostile foreign entities. The legislation also includes provisions for reporting residential rental property ownership and makes technical changes to existing property transfer and ownership documentation requirements.

Government Affairs

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb88