The bill amends existing laws regarding the ownership of real property and agricultural land in Arkansas, specifically targeting foreign-party-controlled businesses. It prohibits such businesses from leasing or acquiring interests in public or private land, as well as agricultural land located within a ten-mile radius of designated "critical infrastructure." The bill defines "critical infrastructure" to include various essential facilities and services, such as military installations, utilities, and communication technology nodes. Additionally, it establishes that a prohibited foreign-party-controlled business must divest any land holdings within one year if found in violation of these provisions.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the timeframe for divestiture from two years to one year for prohibited foreign parties who are no longer resident aliens. It also introduces penalties for violations, including potential felony charges for parties acting in concert with prohibited foreign entities. The Attorney General is empowered to initiate legal action to enforce these provisions, and any land held in violation may be sold through judicial foreclosure, with proceeds distributed to lien holders. Overall, the bill aims to safeguard Arkansas's land ownership from foreign control, particularly in sensitive areas.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1680 V2 - 3-31-2025 11:47 AM: 18-11-110(a), 18-11-802, 03-31-2025, 2-3-102, 18-11-803, 18-11-804, 18-11-804(b), 18-11-804(e)
Old version HB1680 Original - 3-4-2025 04:32 PM: 18-11-110(a), 18-11-802, 2-3-102, 18-11-803, 18-11-804, 18-11-804(b), 18-11-804(e)
HB 1680: 18-11-110(a), 18-11-802, 2-3-102, 18-11-803, 18-11-804, 18-11-804(b), 18-11-804(e)
Act 811: 18-11-110(a), 18-11-802, 03-31-2025, 2-3-102, 18-11-803, 18-11-804, 18-11-804(b), 18-11-804(e)