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HB 358

Agriculture; prohibiting acquisition of possessory interest in certain land by certain foreign persons and entities; provide for a definition

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Debbie Buckner and 3 co-sponsors

House Bill 358 restricts foreign ownership of land near military installations in Georgia to enhance national security and protect sensitive military operations.

Effective Date
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Bill Summary · HB 358

Summary of House Bill 358

Bill Number: HB 358
Title: Agriculture; prohibiting acquisition of possessory interest in certain land by certain foreign persons and entities; provide for a definition
Status: Effective Date
Introduced: February 10, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 358 aims to amend existing legislation regarding land ownership in Georgia, specifically targeting the acquisition of possessory interests in certain lands by foreign persons and entities. The primary intent of the bill is to enhance national security by restricting foreign ownership of land in proximity to military installations.

Key Provisions

  • Definition of Military Installation:
    The bill introduces a new definition for "military installation" in Code Section 2-1-7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. According to the bill, a military installation is defined as:

    "A facility owned and operated by the United States Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Space Force, or Coast Guard that shelters military equipment and personnel and facilitates training and operations for such organizations."

  • Prohibition on Acquisition:
    The bill reinforces the prohibition on foreign persons and entities acquiring possessory interests in land adjacent to these military installations, thereby aiming to safeguard sensitive military operations and infrastructure.

  • Repeal of Conflicting Laws:
    The bill includes a provision to repeal any laws that conflict with this new legislation, ensuring clarity and consistency in the legal framework.

Affected Parties

  • Foreign Persons and Entities:
    The bill directly impacts foreign individuals and organizations seeking to acquire land in Georgia, particularly near military installations.

  • Military Installations:
    The legislation is designed to protect military installations by limiting foreign ownership, thereby addressing potential security concerns.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 10, 2025: Bill introduced in the House.
  • March 3, 2025: Bill passed by the House.
  • March 31, 2025: Bill passed by the Senate after being tabled and subsequently taken from the table.
  • May 14, 2025: Signed by the Governor and designated as Act 261.
  • July 1, 2025: Effective date of the legislation.

Conclusion

House Bill 358 represents a legislative effort to safeguard national security interests by restricting foreign ownership of land near military installations in Georgia. By providing a clear definition of military installations and reinforcing prohibitions on foreign acquisitions, the bill aims to protect critical military infrastructure and operations.

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

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