Ohio Senate Committee advances Bill 88 to restrict foreign land ownership

Ohio lawmakers have taken a significant step to protect the state's agricultural land and critical infrastructure by adopting Senate Bill 88, also known as the Ohio Property Protection Act. This legislation prohibits foreign adversaries, particularly those linked to nations deemed threats by the Secretary of State, from acquiring protected property in Ohio. The bill was unanimously adopted during a recent meeting of the Senate General Government Committee.

The urgency behind this legislation stems from growing concerns about foreign ownership of farmland, particularly by entities associated with the Chinese Communist Party. Testimonies from representatives of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation highlighted that Ohio has lost nearly 300,000 acres of farmland in the past five years, with fears that much of this land will never return to productive use. The Farm Bureau emphasized the need for effective land use management and urged the General Assembly to consider options that enhance rural community planning.

Harrison Siders from State Armor Action echoed these sentiments, stressing the necessity for states to enact policies that safeguard against foreign influence. He pointed out that the federal government cannot address the threats posed by foreign adversaries alone, and state-level action is crucial to protect local interests and national security.

The discussions during the meeting underscored the broader implications of foreign land ownership, linking it to national security risks and food security concerns. As Ohio continues to navigate economic pressures, the passage of Senate Bill 88 marks a proactive approach to safeguarding the state's agricultural resources and infrastructure from potential threats.

Looking ahead, the committee plans to continue its work on related legislation, indicating a sustained focus on protecting Ohio's land and resources from foreign adversaries. The adoption of this bill is a clear signal of the state's commitment to addressing these pressing issues.