Ohio lawmakers advance Property Protection Act to restrict foreign adversary land purchases

Ohio's Property Protection Act is making waves as lawmakers push for stronger safeguards against foreign adversaries. During a recent meeting of the Ohio Senate Veterans and Public Safety Committee, legislators emphasized the urgent need for this legislation to protect critical infrastructure and military installations from potential threats posed by foreign ownership.

Representative King, a key proponent of the bill, highlighted the growing concerns over foreign adversaries, particularly from nations like China, Iran, and Russia, acquiring land near sensitive sites. "The expanding footprint of foreign adversary real estate ownership in the U.S. is generating significant national security and food security concerns," he stated. The bill aims to prohibit these nations from purchasing property within 25 miles of military bases and critical infrastructure, a move that aligns Ohio with other states that have enacted similar restrictions.

The discussion revealed that the legislation is not just about farmland, but also addresses broader security implications, including espionage and cyber threats. Representative Klopfenstein, who co-sponsored the bill, noted that the legislation would require buyers to affirm they are not prohibited from purchasing under the new rules, giving local sheriffs the authority to investigate violations.

Concerns were raised about the potential impact on legal residents from adversarial countries, with assurances that U.S. citizens and dual citizens would not be affected. However, the bill's broad definition of critical infrastructure raised questions about its implications for property ownership across the state.

As the committee deliberates, the urgency of the bill reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect Ohio's assets from foreign influence. With half of U.S. states already implementing similar measures, Ohio's Property Protection Act could set a precedent for safeguarding national security while balancing economic interests. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments to address concerns raised during the meeting.