Kansas Senate Bill SB172

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/23
• Refer: 2/8/23
• Report Pass: 3/6/23
• Refer: 1/9/24
• Report Pass: 1/30/24
• Engrossed: 2/19/24
• Refer: 2/19/24
• Refer: 3/13/24
• Report Pass: 3/14/24
• Enrolled: 4/30/24
• Vetoed: 4/30/24

Caption

House Substitute for SB 172 by Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development - Creating the Kansas land and military installation protection act to prohibit foreign principals from countries of concern from holding any interest in certain real property in this state.

Impact

By establishing stringent regulations governing foreign ownership, SB172 seeks to prevent foreign influence and control over strategically important lands. The law further mandates that any foreign entities already owning or acquiring relevant interests file their holdings with the Kansas Attorney General, enhancing transparency and oversight. The legislation also stipulates punitive measures, including divestiture and property forfeiture for non-compliance, thereby reinforcing state authority over real estate and economic interactions involving foreign investors.

Summary

Senate Bill 172 introduces the Kansas Land and Military Installation Protection Act, aimed at safeguarding certain real properties and military installations in the state by restricting foreign ownership. The bill prohibits foreign nationals from countries considered a concern, or their agents, from acquiring interests in real property located within 100 miles of military installations in Kansas or adjacent states, with specific exemptions for de minimis interests. This legislative measure reflects heightened concerns around national security in response to foreign investments that might pose threats to local and national interests.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB172 appears mixed among stakeholders. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary action to protect national security and local interests from potentially adversarial foreign entities. They emphasize the importance of ensuring military installations remain secure and that economic development does not fund potential threats. However, critics are wary that such restrictions could hinder beneficial foreign investments and economic partnerships, leading to warnings about the potential chilling effects on investment in Kansas.

Contention

Key points of contention regarding SB172 center on the balance between security and economic opportunity. Opponents highlight the risks of overly broad definitions of countries of concern and the consequences for legitimate foreign investors who may wish to contribute positively to the Kansas economy. The bill's implications for civil liberties and property rights are also debated, as it may result in significant constraints on property ownership that could disproportionately affect certain demographics or economic sectors.