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Bill

H 63

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 63 protects Idaho's military and state assets by banning foreign adversaries from owning or leasing key lands and resources, enhancing national security.

Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs
#forestsandforestry #internationalrelations #landuse #lands #militaryandmilitia #mineralsandmining #naturalresources #property #realproperty #security
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Bill Summary · H 63

Summary of House Bill 63 (H 63)

Bill Overview

Title: STATE ASSETS
Bill Number: H 63
Introduced: January 27, 2025
Status: Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Forests and Forestry, International Relations, Land Use, Military and Militia, Minerals and Mining, Natural Resources, Property, Real Property, Security

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 63 aims to enhance the protection of Idaho's military installations and state assets by prohibiting foreign adversaries from owning or leasing certain types of land and resources. The bill seeks to prevent potential threats to national security by restricting foreign ownership of agricultural land, forest land, water rights, mining claims, and mineral rights.

Key Provisions

  1. Prohibition on Foreign 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 entities engaged in conduct adverse to U.S. national security.

  2. Mandatory Divestiture:

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

  3. Geographic Restrictions:

    • Foreign adversaries are also barred from leasing or purchasing property within designated geographic boundaries intended for secure military operations.

  4. Registration Requirement:

    • Foreign principals acquiring agricultural land must register with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture within 60 days of acquisition.

  5. Whistleblower Provisions:

    • Individuals can report violations, and if their referral leads to a successful divestiture, they may receive 30% of the proceeds from the sale after lienholders are paid.

  6. Severability and Emergency Declaration:

    • 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 restrictions on land ownership and leasing.
    • The Idaho State Department of Agriculture will be responsible for implementing registration and oversight provisions.

  • Fiscal Impact:

    • According to the fiscal note, there is no anticipated fiscal impact on the state General Fund or local governments, as the bill does not impose significant additional administrative duties.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced and referred to the State Affairs Committee on January 27, 2025, and was reported printed the following day, January 28, 2025.

Conclusion

House Bill 63 represents a significant legislative effort to safeguard Idaho's resources and military installations from foreign adversaries. By establishing clear prohibitions and requirements, the bill aims to enhance state security and control over vital assets.

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

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