Bill > SB217

This bill significantly restricts foreign ownership of agricultural land in Missouri by prohibiting any alien, foreign business, or foreign government from acquiring agricultural land in the state after the bill's effective date. The bill defines agricultural land as any tract over five acres capable of supporting agricultural enterprises, and broadly defines foreign entities to include businesses with controlling interests owned by non-U.S. citizens or organized under foreign laws. Notably, the legislation completely bans new agricultural land acquisitions by foreign entities, and additionally prevents existing foreign landowners from transferring such land to other foreign entities. The bill requires all proposed transfers involving foreign-owned agricultural land to be submitted to the Missouri Department of Agriculture at least 30 days before finalization for review. Furthermore, the bill includes a specific prohibition on agricultural land ownership by "foreign adversaries" as defined by federal regulations, and mandates that any existing foreign-owned agricultural land must be divested within two years. The legislation frames these restrictions as necessary for preserving public welfare, presenting the law as an emergency measure aimed at protecting Missouri's agricultural resources from foreign control.

Government Affairs

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=375