Bill > SB5472

This bill amends existing Washington state law regarding land ownership by non-U.S. citizens, specifically addressing agricultural, forest, and mineral lands. Starting August 1, 2025, the bill prohibits nonresident aliens (or their agents, trustees, or fiduciaries) from acquiring agricultural, forest, or mineral land, unless their home country allows U.S. citizens to own agricultural real property. The law includes several important exceptions: land can still be acquired through inheritance, as security for debt, through legal processes, or by enforcement of liens; citizens from countries with treaties securing land ownership rights are exempt; and the prohibition does not apply to agricultural land associated with food processing facilities. Additionally, the bill clarifies that U.S. citizens who maintain dual citizenship are not affected by these restrictions. The overall aim appears to be creating reciprocal land ownership conditions between the United States and other countries, while preserving specific pathways for land transfer and protecting certain types of agricultural investments.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5472&Year=2025&Initiative=false