COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Republican lawmakers want immigrants to indicate their residency status before they can obtain Ohio injured worker compensation.
The GOP-controlled House approved the measure Wednesday as part of a bill that makes first responders such as police officers and firefighters eligible for injured worker benefits if they're diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
The proposal requires workers applying for benefits to state whether they are citizens, living in the U.S. without legal permission, or in the country with permission.
Rep. Bill Seitz, a Cincinnati Republican, proposed the residency amendment to the bill on post-traumatic stress disorder. He says workers could still receive benefits as long as they answer truthfully.
Rep. Michael Skindell, a Lakewood Democrat, said the proposal will discourage immigrants from filing claims.
The bill goes next to the Senate.
