Senate Bill 7 aims to strengthen restrictions on land ownership in Wisconsin by prohibiting foreign adversaries from acquiring agricultural or forestry land. The bill defines a "foreign adversary" as a foreign government or individual identified by the federal secretary of commerce as having engaged in conduct harmful to U.S. national security. It retains the existing limitation that nonresident aliens and certain corporations cannot own more than 640 acres of land for agricultural or forestry purposes, while adding a new provision that explicitly prohibits foreign adversaries from acquiring any land for these purposes.

The bill also includes several amendments to existing statutes, such as renumbering and clarifying definitions and exceptions related to land ownership. Notably, it establishes that interests in land acquired by foreign adversaries after a specified date will be subject to divestiture or forfeiture, ensuring that any land ownership by these entities is closely monitored and regulated. Overall, the legislation seeks to protect Wisconsin's agricultural and forestry resources from foreign influence, thereby enhancing the state's security and economic interests.

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)