Bill > S394

This bill establishes the North Carolina Farmland and Military Protection Act, which prohibits certain foreign entities from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia from purchasing, acquiring, leasing, or holding interests in agricultural lands or properties within 25 miles of military installations in North Carolina. The legislation requires prohibited foreign parties to register their existing land holdings with the Secretary of State and Attorney General, and mandates that any such parties who acquire land through inheritance, debt collection, or other means must sell or divest the property within three years. At the time of purchase, buyers must provide an affidavit confirming they are not a prohibited foreign party, and the Attorney General is empowered to investigate potential violations and initiate receivership proceedings to force the sale of improperly held lands. The law defines detailed criteria for what constitutes a "prohibited foreign party," including individuals, governments, and entities with significant interests from the specified adversarial nations. Violations can result in civil penalties, and parties knowingly facilitating such transactions may face criminal misdemeanor charges. The bill aims to protect North Carolina's agricultural production and military installations from potential foreign government control, with the law set to take effect on December 1, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S394