Bill > SB250

This bill introduces significant restrictions on foreign ownership of property in Missouri, particularly focusing on agricultural land and public benefits. It prohibits state departments from providing public benefits to foreign-owned property and bars public institutions of higher education from accepting gifts from foreign governments, entities, or persons, with the exception of tuition payments from international students. The bill defines "foreign" broadly, including entities owned or controlled by non-U.S. citizens or governments. Specifically, it completely bans aliens, foreign businesses, and foreign governments from acquiring agricultural land in Missouri after the bill's effective date, and prevents those who already own such land from transferring it to other foreign entities. The legislation also restricts foreign-owned entities from building electricity generating facilities on agricultural land after August 28, 2025, and requires any existing foreign-owned agricultural land to be divested within two years. The bill's emergency clause emphasizes the perceived threat of foreign land ownership, positioning these restrictions as necessary for public safety and welfare. Notably, the term "nonfarming" is expansively defined to include research activities, ensuring the restrictions have broad applicability beyond traditional agricultural use.

Government Affairs

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=405