The Protecting Ohio Communities Act aims to strengthen collaboration between state and local authorities and federal agencies in enforcing immigration laws. The bill mandates that state and local employees comply with federal requests regarding homeland security and immigration enforcement, while prohibiting municipal corporations from implementing policies that would obstruct such compliance. It introduces new sections (9.631, 9.632, and 9.633) that outline the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies in reporting and verifying the immigration status of individuals applying for public benefits, and establishes penalties for noncompliance, including ineligibility for homeland security funding and reduced local government fund distributions.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws related to the distribution of local government funds and traffic camera fines. It introduces a "sanctuary jurisdiction adjustment," which reduces local authorities' payments if they are found non-compliant with immigration enforcement requirements. The bill also allows municipal universities to request a share of local government funds and establishes conditions for withholding funds from counties that fail to maintain required records. Furthermore, it emphasizes the supremacy of federal immigration laws and prohibits sanctuary policies that hinder cooperation with federal authorities, making it an emergency measure effective immediately due to public safety concerns.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 9.63, 4501.06, 5747.50, 5747.502, 5747.51, 5747.53