A bill for an act prohibiting foreign governments from acquiring or owning real property or agricultural land located in the state.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Zach Dieken

Bill HF 83 prohibits foreign governments from owning real property or agricultural land in the state, ensuring local interests are protected and reducing foreign influence.

Introduced, referred to Judiciary.

#agriculturalland #internationalrelations #realproperty

Summary of Bill HF 83

Bill Number: HF 83
Title: A bill for an act prohibiting foreign governments from acquiring or owning real property or agricultural land located in the state.
Status: Introduced, referred to Judiciary.
Introduced Date: January 17, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Agricultural Land, International Relations, Real Property

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill HF 83 is to prohibit foreign governments from acquiring or owning real property and agricultural land within the state. This legislation aims to safeguard local interests in land ownership and address concerns regarding foreign influence in domestic agricultural and real estate markets.

Key Provisions

Prohibition of Foreign Ownership:

The bill explicitly prohibits foreign governments from acquiring or owning real property or agricultural land in the state.

Divestment Requirements:

Any real property or agricultural land acquired by a foreign government through devise (inheritance) or descent prior to the bill's effective date must be divested within two years from that date.
Similarly, land acquired after the effective date must also be divested within two years of acquisition.

Alignment with Existing Laws:

The divestment language in the bill aligns with current laws regarding agricultural land holdings by nonresident aliens, foreign businesses, or foreign governments.

Reporting Violations:

County recorders are mandated to report any violations of this bill to the attorney general.
Upon receiving a report from the secretary of state, the attorney general is required to initiate legal action in the district court of the county where the land is located.

Court Actions:

If the court determines that the land was acquired in violation of the bill, it will declare the land to have escheated (reverted) to the state.

Impact

Affected Parties:

The bill primarily impacts foreign governments seeking to acquire land in the state, as well as local landowners and agricultural stakeholders who may benefit from reduced foreign ownership.

Legal and Administrative Implications:

The bill introduces new reporting and legal processes for county recorders and the attorney general, potentially increasing administrative responsibilities.

Procedural Aspects

The bill was introduced on January 17, 2025, and has been referred to the Judiciary Committee for further consideration. The timeline for potential enactment will depend on the committee's review and subsequent legislative actions.

This summary provides an overview of Bill HF 83, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and potential impacts on land ownership and governance within the state.