Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to override the governors veto and pass a bill that prohibits Chinese nationals and citizens of other foreign adversary nations from owning land in the state of Louisiana.

Highlights:

• Prohibits any foreign adversary or prohibited foreign actor from directly or indirectly own, acquire, lease, or obtain any interest in agricultural land (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that a prohibited foreign actor can sell or convey an ownership interest in agricultural land (Sec. 1). 

• Defines foreign adversary as a foreign non-government person or foreign government identified as (Sec. 1):

• The People’s Republic of China;

• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region;

• Republic of Cuba;

• Islamic Republic of Iran;

• North Korea;

• Russian Federation; and

• Venezuela under the leadership of Nicolas Madura. 

• Defines prohibited foreign actors as a corporation, limited liability company, pension or investment fund, trust, or limited partnership in which a foreign adversary has a controlling interest (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes foreign business entities that might otherwise qualify as a foreign adversary owning agricultural lands under the following circumstances (Sec. 1):

• If the right is guaranteed by a treaty or person’s country of origin affords certain real estate rights to United States citizens;

• If title to such land is held as security to indebtedness or acquired upon collection of a debt;

• If the foreign business is a religious, educational, charitable, or scientific corporation; or

• If inherited land received by the foreign business as a payment for debt and is sold or transferred within 5 years. 

• Specifies that this bill only applies to property acquired by a foreign adversary or actor after August 1, 2023 (Sec. 1). 

Full Bill Text

Vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards