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NDTV
a day ago
- Business
- NDTV
Green Card Holders Banned From Buying Land? What Ohio's New Bill Means
Ohio lawmakers have proposed two bills that could ban foreign nationals and some green card holders from owning land in large parts of the state. The proposed laws, House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 88, if passed, would restrict land purchases within 40 km of military bases and key infrastructure like water plants, gas lines, and power stations. The bills are part of a national push to curb foreign land ownership over security concerns. If passed, they would prevent people from so-called "foreign adversary" countries, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela, from buying property near sensitive sites. The ban would also apply to foreign-owned companies and, in some cases, lawful permanent residents. "We owe it to our citizens to be vigilant & until federal legislation passes, it's up to states to keep our power stations, water treatment, facilities, gas pipelines, rails & military installations safe from foreign espionage & surveillance," said Representative Angela King, who co-sponsored the bill with Rep Roy Klopfenstein. We owe it to our citizens to be vigilant & until federal legislation passes, it's up to states to keep our power stations,water treatment, facilities, gas pipelines, rails & militarily installations safe from foreign espionage & surveillance. — Angie King (@AngieNadineKing) May 23, 2025 Green card holders who already own property in these zones would be allowed to keep it. Earlier versions of the Senate bill would have required them to sell within two years, a provision that was later dropped. Senator Terry Johnson, who sponsored the Senate version, said the goal was to shield American land from those who "seek to destroy the American way of life," The Ohio Capital-Journal reported. The legislation tasks the Ohio Secretary of State with maintaining a list of restricted entities and updating it every six months. Critics argue the bills are overly broad and could discriminate against immigrants, especially from Asia. "They are targeting all of civilisation," said Vincent Wang, chair of the Asian American Coalition of Ohio, as per State News. "We must call out this (as) a racist agenda." Opponents, including lawmakers, civil rights groups, and community members, packed a Senate committee hearing last Tuesday. Over 230 people submitted testimony against the bill, calling it unconstitutional and xenophobic. "Imagine somebody who risked their life, escaped North Korea and ended up in Ohio," said Xu Lu, a US citizen and professor from Findlay. "This bill will tell them they do not belong here." "You are telling people they are not American enough, no matter how hard they try," said 14-year-old Melody Miao of Oxford, testifying that she grew up pledging allegiance to the US flag and memorising the Bill of Rights. Democrats like Rep Munira Abdullahi (D-Columbus) warned the bills may hurt immigrants trying to build a life in the state. "This is not addressing a national security concern," Abdullahi said. "This is a bill that is signifying hate." Legal experts from the ACLU also warned of swift lawsuits if the bills become law. "It is fundamentally wrong, it is profoundly unfair, and it is fueled by racial animus," said ACLU lobbyist Gary Daniels. The bills are modelled on similar laws passed in states like Florida and Texas. In 2023, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed similar land ownership restrictions, although he did approve a measure banning foreign adversaries from buying agricultural land. As of now, neither HB 1 nor SB 88 has been scheduled for a vote.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ohio could contribute millions toward panic alert systems in schools
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio lawmakers are pushing for the state to contribute millions toward safety products in schools, such as panic alert buttons and artificial intelligence gun detection software. House Bill 106, named 'Alyssa's Law,' would create a pilot program allowing public and chartered private schools to apply for grants to purchase panic alert systems. The program would contribute $25 million overall from the state's general revenue fund, which is primarily funded through taxes. Columbus ranks among world's happiest cities The bill, introduced in February by Reps. Angela King (R-Celina) and Melanie Miller (R-Ashland), is named after Alyssa Alhadeff, who was a victim of the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. 'By creating access to this life-saving technology, we can give both educators and students the security and peace of mind to feel safe while they're at school,' King said in a news release. The Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) would be in charge of developing an application process for schools and a method to determine grant amounts. The bill states funds should be equally distributed between schools in urban, suburban and rural areas, as well as schools with different socioeconomic statuses and enrollment sizes. To be eligible for a grant, a school could not already have a security system in place. Additionally, the safety device would have to be developed in the United States and capable of immediately contacting local law enforcement. The bill used the examples of wearable panic alert buttons and AI firearm detection programs. One measure of property tax relief works its way through Ohio Statehouse To receive a grant, schools would also have to ensure the appropriate staff receives training on the safety device. The bill states the ODPS would begin distributing the funds on Jan. 1, 2026, or 'as soon as possible thereafter.' The ODPS would be required to submit a report detailing the pilot program to the governor and legislature no later than Dec. 1, 2027. The report would include data such as program applications, rewarded grants and the types of device purchased. Alhadeff's family founded the nonprofit Make Our Schools Safe in the wake of their daughter's death. The organization pushes for school safety legislation in a variety of states, specifically 'Alyssa's Law.' Seven states have passed their own version of Alyssa's Law, which all look different from Ohio's current bill. The foundation of Alyssa's Law requires all public schools to be equipped with a wearable or stationary silent panic alarm, which can be pressed to notify law enforcement of an emergency. Six states' versions of the law require a panic alarm system in schools, while one's version states schools must 'consider' the use of such devices. Revived Big Lots stores to reopen this spring; HomeBuys to acquire central Ohio shop In the last General Assembly, an Ohio senator introduced a bill also called Alyssa's Law that would have required public school staff to wear panic alarm buttons. The bill had one hearing and did not pass by the end of the session. HB 106 varies from Ohio's previous bill named Alyssa's Law and other states' versions of the statute since it would not require schools to implement panic alarms. The legislation was assigned to the finance committee where it awaits its first hearing. It has one Democrat and four Republican cosponsors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
