WeVote
Log In

Bill

WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 826

Summary of HB 826 (Ohio, 136th General Assembly)

Overview

  • Bill: H. B. No. 826
  • Session: 136th General Assembly, Regular Session
  • Title: Create offense of obstructing federal immigration enforcement
  • Sponsor: Rep. Williams (co-sponsor: Josh Williams)
  • Status: Introduced 2026-04-15
  • Provisions enacted: Creates new section 2921.311 of the Revised Code

Main purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to establish a criminal offense in Ohio for public officials who purposely prevent, obstruct, or delay federal immigration enforcement activities.
  • It creates a state-level deterrent and potential liability for interfering with federal immigration enforcement operations.

Key provisions and changes

  • New offense: Obstructing federal immigration enforcement
    • Firmly defined as a felony of the fifth degree.
  • Prohibited conduct (A): No public official may purposely prevent, obstruct, or delay federal immigration enforcement.
    • Applies to individuals serving in public office or acting as public officials within the state.
  • Penalties (B): Violation constitutes a felony of the fifth degree.
    • Fifth-degree felonies in Ohio typically carry:
    • Prison term: generally 6 to 12 months (note: actual sentence lengths can depend on court discretion and statutory guidelines for felonies of this degree).
    • Possible fines and post-release supervision as provided by law for fifth-degree felonies.
  • Scope: The statute targets actions by public officials; the bill does not appear to create a private right of action but rather a state criminal offense for officials who obstruct federal immigration enforcement.

Who/what is affected

  • Affected actors: Public officials in Ohio who intentionally impede, prevent, or delay federal immigration enforcement activities.
  • Affected activities: Any actions intended to obstruct or hinder federal immigration enforcement operations, such as those conducted by federal agencies (e.g., U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) within the state.
  • Broader impact: May have implications for local government policies, sheriff/jail operations, and cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction date: 2026-04-15
  • Next steps (typical): If advanced, the bill would move through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in both chambers, followed by reconciliation with any Senate version and the governor’s signature. Specific committee assignments and schedule are not provided in the text.

Notes and considerations

  • The bill creates a state-level felony based on obstruction of federal enforcement, aligning Ohio criminal law with concerns about interference with federal immigration operations.
  • As introduced, it does not specify nuances such as what exact actions constitute “purposely prevent, obstruct, or delay” or exemptions (e.g., constitutional duties, legal obligations). Stakeholders may seek clarifications, including definitions, intent requirements, and potential overlaps with federal or local sanctuary-related policies.
  • The policy’s impact on public officials–including sheriffs, jail administrators, and other local government employees–could be substantial, potentially affecting day-to-day operations and intergovernmental cooperation.

If you’d like, I can provide a comparison with Ohio laws on obstruction or other related offenses, or monitor for updates as the bill progresses through committees.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.