STATE ASSETS – Amends and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding who may own certain property, to provide for prohibition on lease or purchase of certain land or dwellings, and to provide for prohibition on access to state assets.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 12 protects Idaho's state assets by banning foreign adversaries from owning agricultural, forest, and mineral lands, ensuring national security and local control.

Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs

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Bill Overview

Title: STATE ASSETS

Bill Number: H 12

Introduced: January 14, 2025

Status: Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs

Classification: Bill

Subjects: Forests and Forestry, International Relations, Land Use, Military and Militia, Minerals and Mining, Natural Resources, Property, Real Property, Security

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 12 aims to enhance the protection of state assets and military installations in Idaho by prohibiting foreign adversaries from owning or controlling certain types of land and resources. The bill seeks to prevent potential security risks associated with foreign ownership of agricultural land, forest land, water rights, mining claims, and mineral rights.

Key Provisions

Prohibition on Ownership:

Foreign governments and state-controlled enterprises are prohibited from purchasing or holding controlling interests in:
- Agricultural land
- Forest land
- Water rights
- Mining claims
- Mineral rights
This prohibition extends to foreign adversaries, defined as specific countries including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria.

Divestiture Requirement:

Foreign adversaries currently owning any of the aforementioned lands must divest within 180 days of receiving notice. Failure to do so will result in judicial foreclosure of the property.

Geographic Restrictions:

Foreign adversaries are also barred from leasing or purchasing property within designated geographic boundaries to establish secure military operations areas.

Registration Requirement:

Foreign principals owning agricultural land must register with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture within 60 days of the bill's effective date or acquisition date.

Whistleblower Provisions:

Individuals can act as whistleblowers for violations of this law and may receive 30% of the proceeds from the sale of any land sold due to violations.

Severability and Emergency Clause:

The bill includes a severability clause and declares an emergency, allowing for immediate implementation upon passage.

Impact

Affected Parties:

Foreign governments and entities classified as foreign adversaries will be directly impacted by the prohibitions on land ownership.
The bill may also affect local agricultural and forestry industries by altering land ownership dynamics.

Fiscal Impact:

The fiscal note indicates that there will be no significant financial impact on the state General Fund or local governments, as the bill does not impose additional administrative duties.

Procedural Timeline

January 14, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Joint Rules Committee for printing.

January 15, 2025: Reported printed and referred to the State Affairs Committee for further consideration.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 12, outlining its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on property ownership and state security in Idaho.

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