The bill, known as the "America First Act," introduced by Representatives Click and Santucci, seeks to amend various sections of the Ohio Revised Code with a primary focus on immigration enforcement and community control sanctions for offenders. It prohibits individuals unlawfully present in the United States from entering or residing in Ohio, requiring law enforcement and detention facilities to cooperate with federal immigration laws. The bill mandates that local governments may face funding penalties for noncompliance and establishes specific reporting and detention protocols for law enforcement agencies regarding suspected unlawful presence. Additionally, it categorizes unlawful presence as a felony, outlines penalties, and specifies that individuals charged with this offense are ineligible for community control sanctions.

In terms of community control sanctions, the bill introduces amendments that clarify the conditions under which courts can impose sanctions, including the supervision of offenders and penalties for violations. It defines "technical violation" and allows for community residential sanctions for offenders not required to serve prison terms. The bill also includes provisions for the examination of offenders for contagious diseases and establishes a new "immigration adjustment" to reduce local government fund payments based on compliance with immigration regulations. Furthermore, it creates the Ohio highway and transportation safety fund to enhance public safety, while also amending the apportionment process for local government funds to ensure accountability and compliance among public officials.

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