Bill > H0063

This bill aims to prevent foreign adversaries, specifically countries like China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and the Maduro regime in Venezuela, from purchasing or controlling certain types of land and assets in Idaho. The legislation revises existing property ownership laws to prohibit foreign governments or state-controlled enterprises from acquiring agricultural land, forest land, water rights, mining claims, or mineral rights. The bill introduces strict requirements for foreign principals, including a mandate to sell or divest such properties within 180 days of the act's effective date and to register any existing agricultural land holdings with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. Additionally, the bill establishes specific geographic restrictions preventing foreign adversaries from purchasing or controlling property within designated coordinates, likely near military installations. The law includes a whistleblower provision that allows individuals to report violations and potentially receive up to 30% of the proceeds from land sales resulting from such violations. The bill provides detailed definitions of terms like "foreign principal" and "foreign adversary" and establishes enforcement mechanisms through the Attorney General's office, including potential judicial foreclosure of improperly held lands. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the act is found invalid, the remainder will remain in force.

Government Affairs

State Affairs Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0063/