The bill amends section 9.63 of the Revised Code to impose stricter conditions on municipal corporations regarding their cooperation with federal homeland security activities. It stipulates that any municipal corporation that enacts ordinances or policies that hinder compliance with the USA Patriot Act or federal immigration and terrorism investigations will be ineligible for state funding. Notably, the bill removes the role of the Director of Public Safety in determining noncompliance, thereby streamlining the process for withholding state funds from non-cooperative municipalities.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that expressing disagreement with the USA Patriot Act or related federal policies does not constitute unreasonable noncompliance. It also specifies that such expressions of dissent by municipal corporations will not be considered as materially hindering local employees' cooperation with federal authorities. The existing section 9.63 is repealed, and the new provisions are intended to reinforce the expectation of cooperation with federal homeland security efforts while limiting the discretion previously held by the Director of Public Safety.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 9.63