Maryland House Bill HB842

Maryland 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/9/23
• Refer: 2/9/23

Caption

Agricultural Land - Foreign Property Interests - Restrictions

Impact

Upon enactment, HB 842 will void any transfers of agricultural land interests to foreign persons that occur after October 1, 2023. This change is positioned as a public policy decision intended to protect local agriculture and is consistent with similar measures taken in various states across the country. The law modifies existing property ownership laws and ensures that agricultural lands cannot be owned or controlled by foreign nationals, which proponents argue is essential for national security and local food sovereignty.

Summary

House Bill 842 introduces regulations restricting foreign persons from acquiring interests in agricultural land within the state. The bill is a response to growing concerns over foreign ownership of local farmland, aiming to preserve domestic agricultural interests and ensure that agricultural land remains under the control of U.S. citizens and residents. It outlines specific definitions for what constitutes agricultural land and foreign persons, creating a clear framework for the enforcement of these restrictions.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its intent to bolster local control over agricultural resources, it has also faced criticism. Opponents argue that such severe restrictions could hinder investment opportunities and may lead to economic drawbacks, particularly in areas where foreign investment could have fostered growth and innovation. There are concerns that overly stringent regulations on property ownership might deter legitimate business transactions and complicate existing legal frameworks regarding land ownership in the state.