This bill amends sections of the North Dakota Century Code to prohibit development agreements and land acquisitions by foreign adversaries, defined as individuals or governments identified under specific federal regulations. The amendments to sections 11-11-70 and 40-05-26 clarify that county and city boards cannot approve development projects with foreign adversaries, while also providing exceptions for foreign adversaries that have been registered as businesses in good standing for at least seven years, have been approved by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, and maintain a national security agreement with the federal government. Additionally, section 47-01-09 prohibits foreign adversaries and certain foreign business entities from acquiring real property in the state after July 31, 2023, with specific conditions outlined for compliance and divestment.
Furthermore, the bill mandates the Department of Emergency Services to conduct a comprehensive assessment of foreign adversarial threats across various sectors, including critical infrastructure and agriculture. By July 1, 2026, the department is required to produce a report detailing its findings, risks, and recommendations for mitigating foreign influence, which will be presented to the legislative management. The report will also propose the establishment of a state intelligence unit to monitor these threats continuously. The findings will remain confidential and exempt from public records.
Statutes affected: INTRODUCED: 11-11-70, 40-05-26, 47-01-09