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Bill > HB0224


WY HB0224

Prohibiting foreign adversary property ownership.


summary

Introduced
01/29/2025
In Committee
02/25/2025
Crossed Over
02/12/2025
Passed
Dead
02/28/2025

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2025 General Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT relating to property; restricting foreign adversary ownership of land and other interests in Wyoming as specified; providing definitions; authorizing enforcement of ownership restrictions as specified; providing a civil penalty; requiring the inclusion of notices of foreign ownership in assessment schedules and tax statements; specifying applicability; requiring rulemaking; and providing for an effective date.

AI Summary

This bill restricts land ownership in Wyoming by foreign adversaries, defined as businesses or individuals from countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism or foreign adversaries under federal regulations. The legislation prohibits foreign adversaries from purchasing land in Wyoming, with a narrow exception allowing personal residential use on up to one acre. Foreign adversaries who acquire land must register their ownership with the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security within 60 days of acquisition, providing details about the property and owner, and must update this registration annually. Failure to register or timely update registration will result in a civil penalty of $5,000 per day of non-compliance. County clerks are required to report foreign adversary land purchases to homeland security and criminal investigation authorities, who must then notify the attorney general if a violation is found. The bill also mandates that property tax assessment schedules and tax statements include information about the prohibition on foreign adversary land ownership and registration requirements. The legislation will become effective upon passage of a constitutional amendment, and it does not retroactively affect existing property interests. The goal appears to be limiting land ownership by individuals or entities from countries considered potential national security risks.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (21)

Last Action

COW:S Did not consider for COW (on 02/28/2025)

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