Ag News
Georgia Senate passes limit on foreign land ownership
Posted on Mar 22, 2023 at 0:00 AM
A pair of bills that would limit what Georgia land could be owned by foreign entities has been introduced in the Georgia General Assembly.
S.132, sponsored by Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta), passed the Senate by a 35-20 vote and awaits consideration in the Georgia House. Beach’s bill seeks to limit the foreign ownership of ag land by certain entities deemed to be either foreign adversaries as determined by the US Secretary of Commerce, or other entities from a Country of Particular Concern as determined by the US Secretary of State. The bill would also limit ownership of land near U.S. military installations. It would encompass individuals, foreign governments, and businesses subject to those countries or governments.
A similar bill, HB 452, introduced in the House by Rep. Clay Pirkle, did not pass, but will be eligible for consideration during the 2024 legislative session.
Legislatures in numerous other states are considering or have considered similar bills, and two bills in Congress have been introduced. The Promoting Agricultural Safeguards and Safety (PASS) Act (S. 168 and H.R. 468) was introduced in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House on Jan. 31. At press time no votes had been taken.
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