Bill > S504

This bill, known as the North Carolina Farmland and Military Protection Act, aims to prevent adversarial foreign governments from purchasing or acquiring agricultural land and land near military installations in North Carolina. The bill defines an "adversarial foreign government" as a state-controlled enterprise or government subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations, and specifically prohibits such entities from buying, leasing, or holding interests in agricultural land or land within 75 miles of military installations like Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune, and other significant military sites. Any such land transfers would be considered void. The legislation provides detailed definitions of key terms such as "agricultural land" (which excludes some research-related leases), "controlling interest" (more than 50% ownership), and "military installation." The bill emphasizes protecting the state's agricultural production capabilities and national security interests by limiting foreign government land acquisition. Importantly, the bill places the responsibility for determining whether an entity falls under these restrictions solely on the adversarial foreign government and the State of North Carolina, ensuring that other individuals or entities are not liable for such determinations. The act is set to become effective on December 1, 2025, and includes a severability clause that ensures the entire law remains valid even if a specific section is found unconstitutional.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S504