Latest news with #SenateBill88
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Green card holder? You still may be banned from buying property in the US
Are you a green card holder living in Ohio—or planning to move there? You may soon face new restrictions on where you can own property. Lawmakers in the Republican-led state have introduced two Bills that would ban foreign nationals and some permanent residents from buying land near military and critical infrastructure zones. House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 88 propose a 40-kilometre restriction zone around military bases, power stations, water treatment plants and gas pipelines. The move, backed by Republicans in the state legislature, is part of a broader effort seen across several US states to restrict land ownership by nationals from countries identified as 'foreign adversaries.' These countries include China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba and Venezuela. The restriction would also apply to businesses linked to those countries and, in some cases, to individuals holding lawful permanent residency. The impact on Indian immigrants—Ohio's largest foreign-born group, numbering over 100,000—is currently unclear. What about Green card holders already owning land? Earlier drafts of the Senate Bill had required existing landowners from foreign adversary countries to sell their property within two years. That provision has now been dropped. Green card holders who already own property in restricted zones would not be forced to sell under the latest version. 'I strongly believe that Ohio's land should not be for sale to those who seek to destroy the American way of life,' said Senator Terry Johnson, who introduced Senate Bill 88. He told local media that while his version closely mirrors the House Bill, it initially took a stricter line by requiring disposals. However, the Senate committee amended the Bill last week to remove that clause. Ohio is not alone As of June 4, several US states have passed or are considering laws restricting land ownership by nationals from countries identified as foreign adversaries by the US government. These include: Florida: Since 2023, laws prohibit citizens from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela and Syria from owning agricultural land or property near military sites. Texas: Senate Bill 17, passed in 2025, bans land purchases by individuals and entities from China, Iran, North Korea and Russia. Georgia: SB 420, enacted in 2024, restricts nonresident aliens from acquiring agricultural land or property within 10 miles of military bases. Indiana: HB 1183, signed into law in 2024, blocks designated foreign adversaries from owning farmland or land near sensitive sites. Louisiana: HB 238, also passed in 2024, prevents foreign adversaries or controlled entities from owning agricultural land. North Dakota: Since July 2023, the state bans foreign adversaries and their entities from acquiring real estate. Mississippi: SB 2519, enacted in 2024, bars nonresident aliens from majority ownership in agricultural land. Nebraska: State laws prohibit foreign entities from holding land titles beyond five years. Minnesota: Ownership of agricultural land is restricted unless held largely by US citizens or permanent residents. Michigan: Nine Bills target foreign land ownership near military sites and farmland, particularly by China, Russia and Iran. North Carolina: Proposed laws would block adversaries from buying farmland or property near military bases. Illinois: HB 1162 and SB 48 would prevent certain foreign entities from acquiring agricultural land or property near critical infrastructure. Kansas: New 2025 legislation restricts property purchases within 100 miles of military facilities by foreign adversaries. Opposition builds against the Bills Civil rights groups, academics and community members have raised concerns that the Bills are too broad and risk discriminating against immigrants. More than 230 people submitted written testimony against the proposals during a recent committee hearing. 'Imagine somebody who risked their life, escaped North Korea and ended up in Ohio,' Xu Lu, a US citizen and college professor from Findlay said at a press conference aired by WTOL 11, which provides news coverage of northwest Ohio, southeast Michigan and beyond. 'This Bill will tell them they do not belong here.' Fourteen-year-old Melody Miao from Oxford testified that the Bill sends the message that some Americans will never be American enough. 'I grew up here, went to school here, learned the Pledge of Allegiance by heart, memorised the Bill of Rights, and watched fireworks every July 4,' she said. 'You are telling people they are not American enough, no matter how hard they try,' she added. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has warned that similar laws in other states, such as Florida, have already been put on hold pending legal challenges. Lawsuits are expected if Ohio proceeds. 'It is fundamentally wrong, it is profoundly unfair, and it is fuelled by racial animus,' said Gary Daniels, ACLU's chief lobbyist in Ohio in the press conference. 'I struggle to come up with a Bill that has so much hostility against race and nationality as this particular Bill.' Hongmei Li of the Ohio Chinese American Council drew parallels with past discriminatory legislation in the US. 'These Bills represent a step backwards into the darker history of racism in America,' she said. 'It evokes the Chinese Exclusion Act and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.' Neither House Bill 1 nor Senate Bill 88 has been scheduled for a final vote. If passed, the Secretary of State will be responsible for maintaining a list of banned entities and updating it twice a year.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Asian Americans push back against 'racist' Ohio property bills
[Source] Asian American advocates rallied at the Ohio Statehouse on Tuesday to denounce proposed legislation they describe as discriminatory targeting of immigrants disguised as national security measures. About the bills State legislators are weighing House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 88, both known as the Ohio Property Protection Act, which would bar foreign nationals and businesses from countries designated as 'foreign adversaries' from buying property within 25 miles of critical infrastructure sites. The legislation would expand existing farmland restrictions to include military bases, airports, power stations, water treatment facilities, railroads and telecommunications infrastructure — coverage so broad it would 'effectively blanket the entirety of the state of Ohio,' according to Senate sponsor Terry Johnson (R-McDermott). The U.S. currently designates China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Venezuela under Nicolás Maduro as foreign adversaries. While House Bill 1 would not apply retroactively to existing property owners, Senate Bill 88 originally required current owners to sell their property within two years, though that forced-sale provision was removed at Tuesday's committee hearing. Trending on NextShark: What critics are saying Opponents of the bill reportedly filled the committee hearing room, with more than 100 people attending in person and over 230 submitting written testimony. 'This bill is racist,' said Rep. Anita Somani (D-Dublin), a first-generation immigrant from India, arguing it 'does nothing to protect Ohioans or improve Ohio.' Vincent Wang, who chairs the Asian American Coalition of Ohio, told 10 WBNS that the bills 'will push immigrants out and cause fear, hatred and destroy the Ohio economy.' Critics say the legislation violates constitutional protections, and that existing federal laws already address legitimate security threats without resorting to racial profiling. 'Allowing someone to rent indefinitely but not own is legally inconsistent,' Hongmei Li of the Ohio Chinese American Council told WTVG, calling it an attempt to 'codify racial profiling in law.' Trending on NextShark: The big picture The bills, parallel to others advancing across the country, stem from Gov. Mike DeWine's 2023 veto of similar legislation over concerns about 'unintended economic development consequences.' Asian immigrant-owned businesses in Ohio employed 97,600 people with an annual payroll of $3.3 billion in 2022, according to census data. Understandably, opponents have drawn parallels to historic discrimination, including Chinese exclusion laws and Japanese incarceration camps during World War II. A comparable Florida bill with a smaller 10-mile restriction zone is currently under federal constitutional challenge, with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) promising swift litigation if Ohio's version passes. Trending on NextShark: Lawmakers have yet to schedule votes on either chamber's version of the legislation. This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Trending on NextShark: Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we're building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Subscribe here now! Trending on NextShark: Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hundreds push back against bill prohibiting foreign nationals from buying property in Ohio
Hongmei Li speaking at a press conference in opposition to SB 88. (Photo by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal) An Ohio Senate committee heard from opponents Tuesday of a measure placing restrictions on foreign ownership of land. The sponsors argue keeping foreign governments — particularly China — at least 25 miles from military installations and critical infrastructure is a matter of national security. But opponents contend the bill casts too broad a net, wrapping in ordinary people who have visas or are working their way through the immigration process. They add the bill violates several constitutional and statutory provisions. More to the point, they argue it would codify racism and xenophobia. The proposal finds its roots in a measure proposed during the last general assembly which found its way into the last state operating budget. Gov. Mike DeWine left a prohibition on foreign ownership of farmland to remain in place that budget cycle, but he vetoed the provision restricting ownership within 25 miles of military bases. 'Restricting ownership of Ohio farmland protects Ohio's rich agricultural tradition from adverse interests,' DeWine said in his veto message. 'However, including other non-agricultural real property in this provision could have unintended economic development consequences.' The sponsors of House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 88 are taking another crack at that idea, and they've expanded their scope to include 'critical infrastructure' like power, water, and transportation facilities. The list is broad enough, Sen. Terry Johnson, R-McDermott, acknowledged, to 'effectively blanket the entirety of the state of Ohio.' Under the bills, the Ohio Secretary of State would develop a list of entities barred from owning property in the state and update it at least every six months. For countries identified as 'foreign adversaries,' their government, citizens, and businesses would face ownership restrictions automatically. 'I introduced this bill,' Johnson said, 'because I strongly believe that Ohio's land should not be for sale to those who seek to destroy the American way of life.' He added that while his bill is very similar to the Ohio House version, he takes 'a hardline stance' against existing owners. Senate Bill 88 wouldn't just prohibit purchases in the future, it would require any current owners subject to the restrictions to sell their land within two years. But at the beginning of Tuesday's hearing, the committee adopted an amendment eliminating the forced-sale provisions in the bill. At a press conference Tuesday morning, state lawmakers and grassroots organizers criticized the legislation as 'a symbol for hate' and 'legalized discrimination.' 'These bills represent a step backwards into the darker history of racism in America, rather than progress toward justice and inclusion,' Hongmei Li from the Ohio Chinese American Council argued. She said the proposal hearkens back to legislation like the Chinese Exclusion Act, which restricted immigration and naturalization, and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Li added the measure seems to violate the Fifth Amendment and the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and the Fair Housing Act of 1968. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE What's more, she argued, 'there are multiple existing federal laws that already address legitimate threats without resorting to racial profiling and discrimination.' At Tuesday's committee hearing, more than 100 opponents showed up in person, filling the seats, lining the walls two rows deep, and spilling into the hallway. The committee had to organize an overflow room to accommodate the spectators. More than 230 people submitted testimony against the bill. Xu Lu, a college professor from Findlay and a U.S. citizen, acknowledged the bill would not target him directly, but he wanted to testify against it because it is 'simply a wrong bill.' He insisted the measure is unethical. 'Imagine somebody who risked their life, escaped North Korea and ended up in Ohio,' he offered. 'This bill will tell them they do not belong here.' Caixia Jin is also a U.S. citizen and explained she works for an automotive company assisting foreign workers through the visa and green card process. 'They stand shoulder-to-shoulder with American citizens,' Jin said. 'Many of them are immigrants or the descendants of immigrants themselves as well.' ACLU Chief Lobbyist Gary Daniels emphasized that a less restrictive law in Florida has already been placed on hold, and promised lawsuits would be filed quickly if lawmakers pass the bill. But he argued lawmakers shouldn't reject the proposal over litigation, they should abandon it 'because it is fundamentally wrong, it is profoundly unfair, and it is fueled by racial animus.' Daniels described reading hundreds of bills and attending thousands of hours of committee hearings. 'I struggle to come up with a bill that has so much hostility against race and nationality as this particular bill — not even close,' he said. Fourteen-year-old Melody Miao is an Oxford resident, and she'll be a junior in high school this fall. 'Ohio is the only place I've ever called home,' she told the committee. 'I grew up here, went to school here, learned the Pledge of Allegiance by heart, memorized the Bill of Rights, and watched fireworks every July 4,' Miao said. 'Still, I've lived my entire life, fearing that no matter how much I loved my country, I wasn't American enough.' 'I can't help but wonder,' she said, 'how are we so blind to the foundations of our nation crumbling right beneath our feet?' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Kansas gov. approves six new laws, including ‘Move Over' law
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Governor Laura Kelly has signed off on multiple bills this week, ushering in a slew of new laws for the State of Kansas. Kelly announced in a press release on Monday, March 24 that she has approved six bills that will become new laws in the Sunflower State. These include the following: Senate Bill 2 – validating the election results for the bond issuance question sent by the USD 200 Board of Education, Greeley County, at a special election held in May 2024. Senate Bill 7 – increases the statutory limits on bonds issued by a township on township population and purpose of the bond issuance. Senate Bill 8 – requires drivers proceed with caution when passing stationary vehicles that are displaying hazard warning lights. Senate Bill 88 – requires the state long-term care ombudsman and regional ombudsman to receive training in memory care. Senate Bill 175 – updates the definition of athletic trainer and provides an exemption for those licensed in another state, District of Columbia, territory or foreign country to practice in Kansas. House Bill 2261 – resolves ambiguity surrounding the classification of Kansas Highway Patrol majors. 'I will make a full recovery': Scott Schwab announces cancer diagnosis 'Thanks to this commonsense bill, all drivers will now be required to move over or slow down if there is a vehicle on the side of the road with flashing lights,' Kelly said when speaking about Senate Bill 8. 'This bill will improve safety and will make it easier to educate the driving public.' For more Capitol Bureau news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Senate OKs $2 billion trust fund to fight any federal Medicaid cuts
It's the most basic financial advice you can get: Always save for a rainy day. So amid concerns about cuts in Medicaid programs coming down from Washington in the coming years, the New Mexico Senate unanimously approved a measure to set aside billions of dollars in rainy-day money for the state Medicaid program. Senate Bill 88, which has earned bipartisan support from top Senate Democrats and Republicans, would over several years build up a $2 billion pot of money known as the Medicaid Trust Fund to then match federal dollars, especially if the state sees cuts. "This is a very prudent use of our resources here," said Sen. Bill Sharer, R-Farmington, one of the bill's sponsors. The money would be funded with certain earnings the state treasury receives through investments from other accounts and funds. In the coming fiscal year, nearly $280 million is expected to go into the fund. Money will flow into the Medicaid Trust Fund until it reaches $2 billion. In fiscal year 2029, the fund would begin making distributions into the State-Supported Medicaid Fund, which would also be created under SB 88. Those dollars would support the state Medicaid program and/or match federal Medicaid funding. Medicaid, which provides health coverage to low-income people, is administered at the state level and is partially funded by the state but relies heavily on federal dollars — the federal government pays for 70% to 90% of Medicaid costs in New Mexico, depending on the population, according to an analysis published last year by the Legislative Finance Committee. Under a budget resolution passed in the U.S. House of Representatives last week, Republicans called for the House Energy and Commerce committee, which handles health care spending, to find about $880 billion in savings over 10 years, including from programs like Medicaid. It's not clear yet how the state would be impacted by cuts to Medicaid on the federal level — the New Mexico Health Care Authority did not answer a question Wednesday about potential cuts. "Protecting New Mexicans' access to health care continues to be our top priority," Health Secretary Kari Armijo said in a statement. "We share the Legislature's concerns about potential federal funding cuts and appreciate their work to develop financing strategies that will continue to support the more than 873,000 New Mexicans covered by Medicaid." In the New Mexico Senate on Wednesday, SB 88 faced little opposition but saw lawmakers support the bill based on their concerns over potential federal Medicaid cuts. Sen. Pete Campos, D-Las Vegas, said the trust fund was a way for the state to continue caring for those who are most underserved. "If there are cuts in Medicaid, if there are cuts in other forms of funding, we need to have … the resources to help to take care of that," he said. The bill's passage in the Senate also comes after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham last week all but guaranteed she would call a special session of the Legislature to address federal funding cuts, noting possible Medicaid trimming was of particular concern. Sharer said he does not necessarily share the same concerns about cuts to federal Medicaid funding. Still, he pointed to a trigger mechanism in the bill that would allow the state to begin drawing money from the Medicaid Trust Fund sooner than 2029 should cuts in federal Medicaid dollars lead to losses in coverage or benefits in New Mexico. "I believe that federally, they're looking for fraud, waste and abuse, not to harm us," he said. "But this does have a trigger, just in case, and so I think that that's great."
