(The Center Square) – A plan to extend Ohio’s ban on foreign counties, businesses, groups and individuals from owning land within 25 miles of critical infrastructure is being called racist by Democrats.
The group also says the proposal in the Legislature violates federal housing laws and targets immigrant communities.
Two bills, one in the House and another in the Senate, extend the ban to 25 miles from places like airports or military bases and broadens it to include criminal enterprises, gangs and cartels.
“This important legislation provides needed protection to our communities, safeguards Ohio’s military installations and critical infrastructure such as: oil refineries, electric generating and water treatment facilities, communications and transportation sectors,” Rep. Angela King, R-Celina, told the House Public Safety Committee. “The expanding footprint of foreign adversary real estate ownership in the U.S. is generating significant national security and food security concerns, with fears of economic surveillance and critical infrastructure manipulation.”
It also requires the secretary of state to update a registry of those not allowed to buy property every six months, and any country listed would be classified as a foreign adversary and the ban would automatically apply to that country’s government, citizens, headquartered business and other agents.
Democratic lawmakers call it racism and a violation of federal law.
“HB1 and SB88 have become symbols of hate within our country,” said Rep. Juanita Brent, D-Cleveland. “So many people in so many different parts of our state work or own businesses. Like myself and many others in this country, we are products of immigrants unless you are native to this land. No one wants to live in a state that allows people to be hated and discriminated against, no matter their race or country of origin.”
The Public Safety Committee meets again Tuesday, but HB1 is not on the agenda. The bill has not had a hearing since May 20.
