Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB340

Introduced
2/27/23  
Refer
2/27/23  

Caption

To Amend The Law Concerning Ownership And Possession Of Real Property.

Impact

This legislation represents a significant change in how Arkansas regulates foreign ownership of agricultural lands, reflecting broader national concerns regarding the implications of foreign investment in crucial sectors. By allowing resident aliens of certain foreign nations to retain ownership provided they maintain their residency, the bill attempts to balance economic interests while safeguarding land critical for domestic food and fiber production. Nonetheless, it places a tight timeline and severe penalties for failure to comply, including felony charges for violations, which indicates a strong state commitment to enforcing these new rules.

Summary

Senate Bill 340, introduced to amend laws concerning the ownership and possession of real property, specifically targets the restrictions on agricultural land ownership by foreign entities. The bill's primary focus is on prohibiting individuals from specific foreign countries from acquiring agricultural land in Arkansas while allowing existing resident aliens to hold such land under certain conditions. Importantly, if a prohibited foreign party ceases to be a resident alien, they are required to divest their agricultural holdings within two years or face mandatory sale enforced by the court.

Contention

While proponents argue that SB340 is essential for protecting state agriculture from potential foreign threats, critics express concerns over the broad definitions of 'prohibited foreign parties' that could inadvertently affect business operations for legitimate investors. Additionally, the bill has generated debate about its potential to establish a precedent for limiting property rights based on nationality, raising questions about future implications for land ownership rights in Arkansas.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB78

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1009

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR SR5

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR SB79

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Provide For The Regulation Of Digital Asset Mining Businesses; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR16

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR HR1015

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR SR17

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1020

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1097

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB80

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

Similar Bills

AR SB383

To Amend The Law Concerning Ownership And Possession Of Real Property.

AR HB1680

To Prevent A Foreign-party-controlled Business From Leasing Land; And To Prohibit A Prohibited Foreign Party From Holding An Interest In Real Property Or Agricultural Land In Certain Circumstances.

TX HB1743

Relating to the holding or acquisition of an interest in real property by or on behalf of certain foreign individuals or entities; establishing an agricultural intelligence office; creating a criminal offense.

AR HB1479

To Prohibit The Purchase Of Or Acquisition Of Title To Agricultural Land By A Governmental Entity Of The People's Republic Of China Or Certain Entities Connected With The People's Republic Of China.

VT S0102

An act relating to expanding employment protections and collective bargaining rights

TN SB2639

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 43; Title 44; Title 47; Title 48 and Title 66, relative to property.

TN HB2553

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 43; Title 44; Title 47; Title 48 and Title 66, relative to property.

TN SB1950

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 66, Chapter 2, relative to ownership of real property.