Amendment introduced to prohibit foreign ownership in critical infrastructure in Ohio

Introduced on October 26, 2019, House Joint Resolution 2 (HJR 2), titled the “Ohio Critical Infrastructure Protection Amendment,” seeks to place a constitutional amendment before Ohio voters prohibiting foreign businesses and individuals from having a majority ownership interest in critical infrastructure located in Ohio. Impacted types of infrastructure include power plants, intrastate electric transmission lines, intrastate natural gas pipelines and water treatment plants.  HJR 2 is sponsored by Representatives Jamie Callender (R-Concord) and Don Manning (R-New Middletown).   In order to be placed on the ballot for voters, such a joint resolution requires a three-fifths majority vote in both the Ohio House and Senate.

HJR 2 is a state legislative proposal that could profoundly affect business in Ohio. Members of Bricker & Eckler’s energy and government relations teams are available to answer questions and will be actively monitoring this proposal.