FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ohioans to Show Strong Opposition at House Bill 1 Hearing on Tuesday, March 17, 2026

The Ohio House Public Safety Committee will hold its fourth hearing on the substitute bill for House Bill 1 (HB1) on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. HB1 shares a similar title with its Senate companion, Senate Bill 88 (SB88): “Enact Ohio Property Protection Act.” Both bills seek to restrict land and property ownership based on national origin, raising serious concerns about violations of federal and state law, including the U.S. Constitution and the Fair Housing Act.


Media Contact: jo@justiceforohio.org

Columbus, OH — March 16, 2026 — The Ohio House Public Safety Committee will hold its fourth hearing on the substitute bill for House Bill 1 (HB1) on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 114 of the Ohio Statehouse. HB1 shares a similar title with its Senate companion, Senate Bill 88 (SB88): “Enact Ohio Property Protection Act.” Both bills seek to restrict land and property ownership based on national origin, raising serious concerns about violations of federal and state law, including the U.S. Constitution and the Fair Housing Act.

HB1 and SB88 would impose sweeping restrictions on property ownership within a 10‑mile (HB1) or 25‑mile (SB88) radius of an expansive list of locations designated as “critical infrastructure.” This list includes everyday utilities such as telecommunications lines, power grids, water and sewer systems, television and radio facilities, and fiber‑optic networks. These broad definitions would effectively bar thousands of lawful residents and businesses from large portions of Ohio’s most populated regions—an unprecedented level of government overreach.

“Ohio is home to nearly 600,000 immigrants who contribute more than $50 billion to our state’s economy and pay over $7 billion in taxes each year. Thousands of these neighbors have spent years navigating the rigorous federal immigration process on their path toward permanent residency and citizenship. HB1 and SB88 would directly and arbitrarily penalize them. This is not only unfair—it would also undermine Ohio’s economic strength at a moment when we can least afford it,” said Yumin Yin, President of the Asian American Coalition of Ohio.

“The bill sends a troubling message to many immigrants, students, and professionals who contribute to Ohio every day—that they may never fully belong here,” said Dr. Hongmei Li, President of AWARE Ohio.

“Although framed as measures to enhance Ohio’s security, the substitute bill for House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 88 would not meaningfully strengthen Ohio’s safety. Instead, they would punish law‑abiding residents who are legally present in the United States, harm Ohio’s reputation as a fair and business‑friendly state, and undermine the constitutional and economic principles that have long fueled our success,” said Hao Cong, President of Justice for Ohio.


“Immigrants play an outsized role in Ohio’s innovation economy—making up roughly 12% of STEM workers and 26% of software developers—and with the state already dependent on this global talent, HB1 risks driving away skilled professionals and investors, undermining Ohio’s ability to attract innovation, research, and long‑term growth,” said Vincent Wang, Chair of the Ohio Chinese American Association.

Concerned residents across the state are organizing to show strong opposition to HB1 and to demonstrate the community’s commitment to protecting public interests, property rights, and Ohio’s economic future.

House Bill 1 Hearing Details

Date and Time: Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 9:30 a.m.

Location: Ohio Statehouse Room 114, 1 Capitol Sq, Columbus, OH 43215

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About Asian American Coalition of Ohio

The Asian American Coalition of Ohio (AACO) is a nonprofit, grassroots organization with the mission to educate, engage and empower Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) in Ohio to participate in all aspects of American society. Website: www.aacohio.org.

About AWARE Ohio

AWARE (Advocacy and Workshops for Asian American Rights and Empowerment) Ohio is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to uplifting the voices and stories of Asian Americans in Ohio. Website: www.awareohio.org. 

About Justice for Ohio

Justice for Ohio is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing civic engagement, protecting civil rights, and advocating for policies that promote equity and justice across Ohio. We work to address unfair treatment and ensure that every individual—regardless of background—can fully participate in civic life. Website: www.justiceforohio.org.

About Ohio Chinese American Association

The Ohio Chinese American Association (OCAA) is a nonprofit organization with the mission to unite Chinese Americans, raise awareness of the rights and obligations as an American citizen, and champion volunteerism and community service. Website: ohiocaa.org.

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