House committee hears bill to bar "foreign adversary" property purchases near critical infrastructure

Representatives Angie King and Ray Klopfenstein presented House Bill 1 — described by sponsors as Ohio's Property Protection Act — which would prohibit buyers identified as "foreign adversaries" on a federal list from purchasing property within 25 miles of military installations and designated critical infrastructure. King and Klopfenstein framed the bill as a national‑security measure aimed at closing vulnerabilities around bases, water systems and transportation nodes.

Sponsors described several enforcement measures: a conveyance attestation requiring the buyer to affirm they are not prohibited under the statute, local sheriff investigations when concerns arise, and referral to the county prosecutor for potential violations. Klopfenstein told the committee the bill is a reintroduction of prior legislation and noted the difficulty of detecting complex ownership chains used to conceal ultimate owners.

Members expressed a range of concerns. Representative Brent and others asked how the measure would affect lawful residents and workers (including physicians and athletes) from allied nations or holders of visas/green cards; sponsors said the bill targets foreign adversaries and does not affect U.S. citizens, dual citizens, leases, or existing owners (grandfathering was confirmed for current owners). Representative Brewer asked whether the 25‑mile radius applied so broadly that most of the state would be restricted; sponsors said the bill targets specific critical infrastructure categories and noted other states use narrower distances (e.g., a 10‑mile rule in one neighboring state).

The committee did not vote on HB1 at the hearing; sponsors and members agreed further discussion and technical drafting will be required on definitions, enforcement mechanics and potential economic consequences.