Over the past several years, there has been increased attention paid to the efforts of unfriendly foreign nations and related actors to influence our institutions and gain ownership and access to our critical infrastructure and facilities.

While the federal government maintains the frontline defenses against such foreign efforts through the military and national security apparatus, the Commonwealth has a role to play, particularly when it comes to oversight of institutions and functions that are typically handled at the state level.

Several incidents across the nation have highlighted some areas of concern that the Commonwealth can address. The increase in ownership of domestic farmland by foreign entities raises questions about food security. The hacking of the Aliquippa Municipal Authority shows the need for the Commonwealth to provide cyber security assistance to protect infrastructure. The military deemed the purchase of 370 acres near an Air Force Base in North Dakota by a Chinese firm a security risk.

This legislation is designed to prevent unfriendly foreign nations and related actors from gaining access to and influencing our institutions and assets.