North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota Senate Bill SB2337

Introduced

1/21/25

Refer

1/21/25

Report DNP

2/14/25

Caption

Required filings for foreign persons investing in agricultural lands; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide a penalty; to provide a contingent effective date; and to provide an expiration date.

Impact

The bill would have a considerable impact on current laws regarding property ownership in North Dakota, particularly as it relates to foreign investments in agricultural lands. By limiting the ability of foreign organizations deemed a concern to acquire property, it aims to mitigate potential threats to local economies and national security. Moreover, the stipulation that foreign entities must divest from any property they own or control within a designated period places a significant burden on existing arrangements that do not comply with this new restriction.

Summary

Senate Bill 2337 amends sections of the North Dakota Century Code to regulate foreign ownership of real property, particularly concerning foreign countries or organizations deemed to be a concern to national security. The bill explicitly prohibits boards of county commissioners and city councils from approving development agreements or projects with entities categorized as foreign adversaries. This bill seeks to solidify protections against foreign influence on local development and ensures the security of agricultural lands in the state.

Contention

Debates surrounding SB2337 primarily center on the implications for international relations and the economic repercussions of restricting foreign investments. Supporters assert that the bill is essential for protecting the state’s interests and maintaining public safety, while critics express worries about the potential for economic isolation and the ability of businesses within North Dakota to interact with foreign partners. Additionally, the manner in which the bill defines ‘foreign adversary’ and the processes for determining eligibility for holding property could lead to legal challenges and questions about due process for foreign entities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2371

The prohibition on ownership of real property by a foreign adversary; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide an expiration date.

ND HB1503

Ownership of real property and commercial assets by foreign adversaries; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide an expiration date.

ND SB2015

A transfer of Bank of North Dakota profits to a water infrastructure revolving loan fund; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide a report; to provide a penalty; to provide for application; to provide a retroactive effective date; to provide a contingent effective date; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1158

The homestead tax credit and income tax rates for individuals, estates, and trusts; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.

ND HB1339

A contingent expiration date for concealed weapon provisions; and to provide a penalty.

ND SB2037

Legislative intent; to provide a penalty; and to provide an expiration date.

ND SB2031

A prescription drug reference rate pilot program; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide a penalty; and to provide an expiration date.

ND SB2080

A licensed child-placing agency investigation and adoptive child placement; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide a contingent effective date; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1231

Mandatory dyslexia screening; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide an expiration date.

ND SB2012

The autism voucher; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a report; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

Similar Bills

ND HB1208

The powers of a board of county commissioners, a board of city commissioners, and a city council regarding development by a foreign country of concern or foreign organization of concern, prohibiting ownership of real property by a foreign country of concern or a foreign organization of concern; and to provide a penalty.