With a lot of recent focus on immigration and immigration enforcement, several members of the Legislature have introduced immigration-related bills that could have significant implications for municipalities and local law enforcement agencies.
- Introduced by Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) and Rep. Tex Fischer (R-Boardman) early in the GA, House Bill 26 would prohibit local governments from adopting so-called “sanctuary” policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The bill mandates that all Ohio law enforcement agencies comply with detainer requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, removing local discretion to prioritize other public safety matters over federal civil immigration violations. Municipalities that fail to comply would face a 10% reduction in their Local Government Fund distributions from the state, as well as homeland security funding. Bill Analysis
- Also introduced is House Bill 200, modeled after similar efforts in other states. Sponsored by Rep. Gary Click (R-Vickery) and Rep. Nick Santucci (R-Niles), the "America First Act" bill would make unauthorized presence in Ohio a fifth-degree felony, granting local and state law enforcement authority to arrest individuals based solely on immigration status — a role traditionally handled by federal authorities. Bill Analysis
- House Bill 281, sponsored by Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.), focuses on healthcare facilities and would require hospitals and mental health centers to grant federal immigration agents access to their premises for enforcement operations. Facilities that refuse entry could face penalties, including potential loss of certain state grants or Medicaid funding. Bill Analysis
- Finally, House Bill 544, sponsored by Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) and Rep. D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron), would expand Ohio’s obstruction of justice statute to make it a felony to physically impede or interfere with federal immigration agents while they are performing their duties. Actions such as blocking doorways or intervening in an arrest could be elevated from a minor offense to a serious state-level crime. Bill Text
OML will continue monitoring these proposals and their potential impact on municipalities, local operations, and public safety responsibilities.