Recently, Governor Jim Pillen joined state senators in introducing two bills aimed at pushing back against foreign adversarial influence in Nebraska.
At the request of the Governor, Senator Barry DeKay (District 40) introduced legislation to modernize laws related to foreign-owned agriculture land. Among the bill’s aims, continuing the state’s prohibition on foreign persons or foreign-owned companies from owning agricultural land. Additionally, it tightens existing exemptions on industrial use and ownership by foreign adversaries in areas near critical military installations. The bill directs the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) to review land purchases and sets forth a process for divestment of entities determined to be violating the law.
“Since last summer, I made it a priority to protect Nebraskans from foreign adversaries owning farmland,” said Sen. DeKay. “My staff and I have worked diligently to craft legislation that allows the Legislature to look at laws dating back to 1889. The world has changed and so must our state statutes. I am thankful for the support of Gov. Pillen and the collaboration with senators Brian Hardin, Steve Halloran and Elliot Bostar on this important policy that will protect our economic engine – agriculture.”