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Bill

HB 1372

Agriculture; prohibit certain foreign persons and entities from acquiring a possessory interest in land located near critical infrastructure without prior approval by the Attorney General

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Clark and 5 co-sponsors

Georgia bill prohibits foreign persons from buying land near critical infrastructure without Attorney General pre-approval, restricting international investment in sensitive areas.

House Second Readers
#agriculture #penalinstitutions #publicutilitiesandtransportation
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Bill Summary · HB 1372

Legislative bill overview

HB 1372 would prohibit foreign persons and entities from acquiring land near Georgia's critical infrastructure without prior approval from the Attorney General. The bill establishes a screening mechanism for foreign land purchases in sensitive areas, defining both "foreign persons" and "critical infrastructure" for regulatory purposes.

Why is this important

Agricultural land and infrastructure protection have become increasingly politicized concerns, with states implementing various restrictions on foreign ownership. This bill directly affects international investors, foreign-owned agricultural operations, and real estate transactions in Georgia while potentially impacting land values and economic activity near infrastructure sites.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: The bill's definitions of "critical infrastructure" and proximity requirements remain unclear and could be interpreted broadly, potentially affecting more land than intended
  • Constitutional concerns: Foreign ownership restrictions may face legal challenges under constitutional protections for property rights and interstate commerce
  • Economic impact: Could deter foreign investment in Georgia agriculture and real estate, affecting property values and rural economies
  • Implementation burden: Requires Attorney General approval processes that could create delays and administrative complexity for legitimate transactions
  • Reciprocal effects: Other countries may implement similar restrictions against American investors in retaliation

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

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