US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB212

Introduced
1/9/23  

Caption

Protecting our Land Act This bill requires the President to direct federal agencies to promulgate rules and regulations to prohibit foreign adversaries or state sponsors of terrorism from purchasing real estate located in the United States.

Impact

The bill's implementation is anticipated to create a significant shift in the handling of foreign investments in U.S. real estate. If enacted, this legislation would alter existing property laws by adding a layer of federal scrutiny to transactions involving international buyers, particularly those flagged as security threats. This could potentially discourage foreign investors from entering the U.S. market, particularly in strategic areas, while seeking to protect sensitive locations and assets from foreign influence.

Summary

House Bill 212, known as the Protecting our Land Act, seeks to prohibit the purchase of public or private real estate in the United States by foreign adversaries and state sponsors of terrorism. The bill mandates that the President directs federal agencies to develop and enforce regulations that will restrict real estate transactions involving entities classified as foreign adversaries or state sponsors of terrorism. The overarching goal of the legislation is to enhance national security by preventing potential threats that could arise from foreign ownership of American land.

Contention

However, the bill is not without controversy. Critics have voiced concerns regarding its broad definitions, which could lead to unintended consequences such as the exclusion of legitimate foreign investors whose investments do not pose a security threat. Additionally, there are apprehensions about the implications for real estate markets and property rights, with opponents of the bill arguing that the restrictions may infringe upon the rights of property owners and hinder economic growth. The balance between national security and open markets is at the forefront of the debates surrounding this bill, highlighting the complexities involved in its potential enactment.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB458

Protecting our Land Act This bill requires the President to direct federal agencies to promulgate rules and regulations to prohibit foreign adversaries or state sponsors of terrorism from purchasing real estate located in the United States.

US HF2513

A bill for an act prohibiting institutions of higher education from entering into employment contracts with citizens of federally designated foreign adversaries and state sponsors of terrorism holding certain visas. (Formerly HSB 536.)

US HB809

Securing America's Land from Foreign Interference ActThis bill requires the President to take actions as necessary to prohibit members of the Chinese Communist Party (and entities owned, controlled, or influenced by the party) from purchasing real estate located in the United States, U.S. territories, or U.S. possessions.

US SB226

Prohibits foreign adversaries and prohibited foreign actors from participating in certain property transactions. (gov sig)

US SB0256

Foreign agent registration, foreign terrorist organizations, and foreign adversaries.

US HB263

Stop Trying to Obsessively Vilify Energy Act or the STOVE Act This bill prohibits federal agencies from promulgating rules or guidances that restrict or ban the use and purchase of gas-powered stoves, cooktops, ranges, or ovens in the United States.

US SB618

Protecting America's Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025This bill prohibits persons associated with the governments of Iran, North Korea, China, or Russia from purchasing or leasing agricultural land in the United States.Specifically, the President must prohibit any person (individual or entity) owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of these foreign governments from purchasing or leasing (1) public agricultural land that is owned by the United States and administered by a federal department or agency, or (2) private agricultural land that is located in the United States.A person that violates or attempts to violate this prohibition is subject to civil and criminal penalties. This prohibition does not require a person that owns or leases agricultural land as of the date of this bill's enactment to sell that land.Further, the President must prohibit a person associated with these foreign governments and who leases, or who has full or partial ownership of, agricultural land in the United States from participating in Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. Exceptions are included to allow for participation in USDA programs related to food safety, the health and labor safety of individuals, or certain reporting and disclosure requirements.The bill excludes U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents from these restrictions.The bill also amends the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (AFIDA) to require reporting on security interests and leases.Finally, the Government Accountability Office must submit a report to Congress on AFIDA.

US SB2776

A bill to amend the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act to provide rules for payments to Havlish Settling Judgment Creditors.

US S938

Prohibits State contractors from distributing data to foreign adversaries.

US A214

Prohibits State contractors from distributing data to foreign adversaries.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.