A proposed bill in Kansas that aimed to restrict foreign ownership of land in the state was vetoed by Governor Laura Kelly. The bill, which was put forward by top Republican lawmakers, sought to limit ownership by foreign nationals from countries deemed adversaries by the U.S. government, including China, Cuba, Iraq, North Korea, and Venezuela.
The bill would have prohibited more than 10% ownership by foreign nationals from these countries of non-residential property within 100 miles of any military installation in Kansas. However, Governor Kelly vetoed the bill citing concerns that it was overly broad and could potentially disrupt legitimate investment and business relationships in the state.
A report from Kansas State University revealed that foreign ownership, particularly Chinese ownership, of Kansas agricultural land was minimal. The bill would have required annual reports on all foreign real estate ownership, including non-agricultural business property.
While some lawmakers argued that the bill was necessary to protect national security interests, others, including Governor Kelly, expressed reservations about its potential impact on the state's economic development. Kansas is a significant exporter, with China being one of its top trading partners.
The veto has sparked debate among lawmakers, with some calling for even stricter restrictions on foreign land ownership. However, critics of the bill raised concerns about its potential impact on immigrants and individuals seeking to achieve the American dream.
Despite the veto, discussions on foreign land ownership regulations in Kansas are likely to continue as lawmakers navigate the balance between security concerns and economic interests.
