This bill aims to amend and enact various sections of the North Dakota Century Code concerning foreign ownership of property and the certification of foreign grantees. It introduces new provisions that require a grantee or their authorized agent to certify on the face of a deed whether they are allowed or prohibited from owning property under section 47-01-09. Additionally, it establishes that county recorders cannot accept deeds without this certification and mandates that copies of certain deeds be sent to the attorney general and the state's attorney if the grantee is prohibited from ownership or if there are suspicions of falsification. The bill also includes penalties for willful falsification of ownership statements.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits boards of county and city commissioners from approving development agreements with foreign countries or organizations of concern, while allowing exceptions for those that have been in good standing for at least seven years and have federal approval. It repeals the previous requirement for foreign persons investing in agricultural lands to file reports, replacing it with a new requirement for organizations to file beneficial ownership information with the secretary of state. The bill also establishes penalties for non-compliance and outlines the process for divestment of property owned by foreign entities that violate these provisions.

Statutes affected:
PREFILED: 11-11-70, 40-05-26, 47-01-09, 47-10.1-05
INTRODUCED: 11-11-70, 40-05-26, 47-01-09, 47-10.1-05