Bill > H141

This bill proposes to amend Massachusetts law to prohibit foreign governments from purchasing, acquiring, leasing, or holding interests in agricultural land within a 20-mile radius of a U.S. military base, starting June 1, 2025. The legislation defines key terms such as "agricultural land" (as defined in another state law), "controlling interest" (more than 50% ownership or significant business control), and "foreign government" (excluding U.S. and its territorial governments). The bill exempts agricultural land interests already held by foreign governments before the effective date and those owned by federally recognized tribal governments. Any land transfer violating these restrictions would be considered void. Additionally, the bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to compile and submit an annual comprehensive report by July 31st each year, detailing the total amount of agricultural land under foreign ownership, percentage changes in foreign land ownership over the past decade, current uses of such land, and potentially related information about foreign ownership of energy infrastructure. The report must be submitted to legislative committees and published on the department's website, and may include recommended policy changes based on the findings.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H141