This bill establishes regulations prohibiting foreign ownership of real property within designated zones near critical infrastructure and military installations in Wyoming. It defines "critical infrastructure" and "military installation," and specifies that no "prohibited foreign party" can hold or acquire any interest in real property located within a ten-mile radius of these zones. The bill mandates that any prohibited foreign party who currently holds such property must divest within eight months of receiving notice from the Wyoming office of homeland security. If they fail to do so, the attorney general is authorized to initiate divestiture proceedings, which may result in the property being sold at auction, with proceeds distributed to lien holders and any remaining funds forfeited to the state.

Additionally, the bill requires prohibited foreign parties to register their property ownership with the secretary of state starting July 1, 2026, and imposes penalties for non-compliance. The Wyoming office of homeland security is tasked with designating critical infrastructure zones and ensuring compliance through investigations and reporting requirements. The bill also includes provisions for the appropriation of funds and the establishment of positions within the office of homeland security to facilitate the implementation of these regulations. Furthermore, it stipulates that the act will only take effect if a constitutional amendment is made to allow the legislature to restrict foreign ownership of property in Wyoming.

Statutes affected:
25LSO-0311 v0.5: 19-13-105, 34-1-143, 39-13-103, 39-13-107