Assembly Bill 30 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 foreign adversaries may not hold any land in Wisconsin, and it establishes that interests in land acquired by foreign adversaries after a certain date will be subject to divestiture or forfeiture. The amendments aim to close loopholes that previously allowed foreign entities to engage in extensive land ownership for non-agricultural purposes while maintaining restrictions on agricultural and forestry land.

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)