Ohio Republicans this week revived plans to ban “foreign adversaries” from buying land near critical infrastructure, citing national security risks like espionage or cyberattacks.

Senate Bill 88, sponsored by State Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott), would ban people and companies from countries on the federal foreign adversary list from buying property within 25 miles of Ohio’s critical infrastructure. This included military bases, electricity plants, broadband infrastructure, and railroads.

Some lawmakers have warned, however, that these sweeping measures could prevent foreign-born citizens, such as doctors and athletes, and would force them to sell at no more than the price they originally paid. 3/25/2025