The America First Act seeks to amend various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to strengthen the enforcement of federal immigration laws and modify sentencing guidelines for offenders. The bill prohibits individuals unlawfully present in the U.S. from entering or residing in Ohio and requires law enforcement agencies and detention facilities to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. It includes provisions to withhold state and local government funds from subdivisions that do not comply with the act. Key amendments clarify community control sanctions for felony offenses, establish conditions for offenders, and outline the responsibilities of probation departments, including potential prison terms for violations.

Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions related to law enforcement and immigration enforcement, criminalizes unlawful presence in the state, and establishes penalties for such offenses. It mandates that law enforcement report suspected unlawful individuals to federal authorities and outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction regarding suspected aliens. The legislation also addresses local government fund distributions, creating a new "traffic camera adjustment" and an "immigration adjustment" that can reduce payments to local authorities based on compliance with specific regulations. Overall, the America First Act aims to enhance immigration enforcement and ensure accountability in local government fund management.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2909.30, 2929.15, 2929.16, 2929.17, 2929.25, 5747.50, 5747.502, 5747.51, 5747.53, 2965.03