Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB349

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/17/23
• Refer: 7/17/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Limitations on ownership of agricultural or forestry land in this state by foreign persons. (FE)

Impact

The bill proposes a shift in enforcement authority from the attorney general to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). This would alter how the state regulates land ownership and potentially streamline processes related to enforcement against violations of ownership limits. By reducing the divestiture period for foreign entities found to exceed these limits from four years to two, the legislation also creates a sense of urgency to comply with the new regulations.

Summary

Assembly Bill 349 seeks to restrict foreign ownership of agricultural and forestry land in the state by significantly reducing the permissible acreage that foreign individuals and entities can acquire. Under the current state law, foreign persons can own up to 640 acres; however, AB349 limits this to just 50 acres. This change aims to protect local agricultural interests and ensure that foreign entities do not hold excessive control over land deemed vital for local food production and forestry management.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding AB349 is the implications it may have on foreign investment in the state's agricultural sector. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to safeguard local land resources from foreign control, viewing such ownership as a potential threat to state sovereignty and food security. On the other hand, critics warn that excessive restrictions could deter foreign investment, which might be beneficial for the local economy in terms of new technologies, practices, and financial resources. This tension raises questions about balancing economic growth with resource protection.