Senate Bill 7 aims to strengthen restrictions on land ownership in Wisconsin by foreign adversaries, defined as foreign governments or individuals identified by the federal secretary of commerce as posing a threat to U.S. national security. The bill retains the existing prohibition on foreign persons from acquiring more than 640 acres of agricultural or forestry land, while introducing a new provision that outright prohibits foreign adversaries from acquiring any land for these purposes. This change is intended to enhance the protection of agricultural and forestry resources in the state from foreign influence.

The bill also includes several amendments to existing statutes, such as renumbering and clarifying definitions and exceptions related to land ownership. Notably, it specifies that interests in land acquired by foreign adversaries after a certain date will be subject to divestiture or forfeiture, ensuring that any land holdings by these entities are closely monitored and regulated. Overall, the legislation seeks to safeguard Wisconsin's agricultural and forestry lands from foreign adversaries while maintaining certain restrictions on foreign ownership.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 710.02(2)(intro.), 710.02, 710.02(3), 710.02(5)(a)(intro.), 710.02(5)(a)1, 710.02(5)(a)2, 710.02(6)