The Ohio Property Protection Act amends sections 319.202, 5301.256, and 5323.02 of the Revised Code to strengthen regulations regarding the acquisition of certain real properties by governments, businesses, and individuals. Key provisions include a requirement for grantees to submit a statement declaring the value of the property and affirming its status as "protected property." The bill introduces new definitions for "protected property," which encompasses agricultural land and properties near military installations or critical infrastructure, and imposes restrictions on foreign adversaries acquiring such properties. Additionally, individuals or entities listed on a registry published by the Secretary of State, as well as foreign adversaries, are prohibited from purchasing protected property, with auditors tasked to verify compliance before endorsing property conveyances.

The legislation also mandates that any individual or entity acquiring an interest in protected property must divest all rights within two years and requires that properties acquired through legal processes be sold or disposed of within the same timeframe. It restricts the use of agricultural land to agricultural purposes during pending sales and limits the transfer of title to certain individuals. A registry will be established to identify threats to agricultural production and critical infrastructure, with updates required every six months. The bill outlines investigation procedures for potential violations and emphasizes the state's commitment to protecting its agricultural resources and critical infrastructure, while repealing inconsistent existing sections of the Revised Code.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 319.202, 5301.256, 5323.02