The Ohio Property Protection Act aims to strengthen regulations regarding the acquisition of certain real properties by governments, businesses, and individuals. Key provisions require grantees to submit a statement declaring the property's value and affirming its eligibility for tax reductions and status as "protected property." The bill introduces a definition for "protected property," which encompasses agricultural land and properties near military installations or critical infrastructure, and imposes restrictions on acquisitions by foreign adversaries and their affiliates. Additionally, the county auditor is prohibited from endorsing conveyances of protected property without the necessary affirmations, and any suspicious transactions must be referred to the county sheriff for investigation.

The legislation also mandates that individuals or entities acquiring protected property must divest all rights within two years and prohibits the use of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes during the pending sale. A registry of individuals and entities posing a threat to agricultural production and critical infrastructure will be established and updated biannually. The act outlines the enforcement responsibilities of county auditors, sheriffs, and prosecutors, emphasizing the state's commitment to protecting its agricultural resources and military defense while repealing conflicting sections of the Revised Code.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 319.202, 5301.256, 5323.02