To enact sections 3722.15 and 5119.335 of the Revised Code regarding hospitals and the enforcement of federal immigration law.
Summary
HB281 would require Ohio hospitals licensed under Chapter 3722, and hospitals that receive persons with mental illnesses under Chapter 5119, to allow specified law enforcement officers into hospital buildings for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration law. Covered officers include U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents, other federal law enforcement officers, and state or local officers assisting them. Hospitals would also have to facilitate access for arrests under lawful warrants, interviews, and the collection of information or evidence, and provide information or evidence they possess to the extent allowed by federal or state law.
The bill requires hospitals to adopt written policies governing how employees and contractors respond to these requests, and it allows hospitals to designate staff to verify that the officer is authorized and is acting for immigration-enforcement purposes. The bill also states that no one is required to take action barred by the Fifth or Sixth Amendment or the Ohio Constitution. If a hospital denies access or information, the officer may report the denial to the Department of Health or the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, which must investigate. A violation could trigger financial consequences, including suspension of Medicaid provider agreements and loss of further state grant funding.
Impact
HB281 would add new sections to the Ohio Revised Code and impose affirmative duties on hospitals to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement in specified circumstances. It would create enforcement mechanisms through state oversight agencies and tie compliance to major funding streams, including Medicaid participation and state grants. The bill would affect licensed hospitals generally under Chapter 3722 and mental health hospitals under Chapter 5119, as well as hospital employees, contractors, governing boards, the Department of Health, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and the Department of Medicaid.
Sentiment
The bill was introduced and referred to the House Public Safety Committee, but there is no recorded committee testimony or vote history in the provided materials. Based on the text alone, the bill appears to take a strong pro-enforcement position by mandating hospital access for immigration authorities and attaching penalties for noncompliance. Because no discussion transcript or vote record is available, there is no documented public sentiment in the supplied context beyond the bill’s clear policy direction.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the balance between immigration enforcement and hospital access, privacy, and patient care. Supporters would likely argue that hospitals should not be exempt from lawful immigration enforcement and that the bill clarifies cooperation duties. Opponents would likely object that the measure could deter patients from seeking care, burden hospital staff, and create conflicts with confidentiality, constitutional protections, and existing medical privacy obligations. The bill’s penalty structure—especially the threat of Medicaid suspension and loss of state grant funds—would likely be another major source of concern for hospitals and health advocates.
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