Bill > HB725

This bill modifies Missouri's laws regarding foreign ownership of agricultural land by implementing a complete prohibition on new acquisitions of agricultural land by aliens or foreign businesses starting August 28, 2025. Currently, foreign ownership was limited to one percent of the state's agricultural acreage, but the new law will entirely ban aliens and foreign businesses from purchasing, receiving through inheritance, or otherwise acquiring agricultural land after the specified date. Existing agricultural land owned by aliens or foreign businesses prior to August 28, 2025, cannot be transferred to another alien or foreign business after that date. The bill requires all proposed transfers of agricultural land by aliens or foreign businesses to be submitted to the Department of Agriculture for review to ensure compliance with the new prohibition. The legislation maintains provisions that prevent individuals from holding agricultural land as agents or trustees for aliens or foreign businesses in violation of the law, while also specifying that any security interests in such land will not be invalidated by these restrictions. The Department of Agriculture is tasked with establishing rules for submission and approval of transfer requests under this new regulation.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB725&year=2025&code=R