Image: Sen. Kerry Roberts presents SB0519 to the Senate Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee. Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A bill that requires that foreign purchases of Tennessee land be reported to the Commissioner of Agriculture, with failure to report resulting in a civil penalty of up to 25% of the property’s value, passed in the Senate Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday.
In a 7 to 2 vote along party lines, Senate Bill 0519 (SB0519) sponsored by Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield-District 23) is now headed to the Senate Calendar Committee where it will be scheduled for a final vote on the Senate floor.
The corresponding House Bill 0219 (HB0219) sponsored by Representative Jay Reedy (R-Erin-District 74) is on the House calendar for Thursday, March 27th, 2025 and is also up for a full vote in that chamber.
The proposed legislation requires that in addition to filing a report of a purchase with the United States Department of Agriculture, under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978, that “foreign persons” purchasing land in the state must also file with the Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture within 90 days of acquisition or transfer.
According to Reedy, the bill’s sponsor in the House, foreign individuals and entities reported holding an interest in nearly 45 million acres of United States agricultural land as of December 31st, 2023.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
2 Responses
GOOD!!
Why would any land purchases by any foreign country be allow period. This statement says it all. Why it shouldn’t be allowed.
“According to Reedy, the bill’s sponsor in the House, foreign individuals and entities reported holding an interest in nearly 45 million acres of United States agricultural land as of December 31st, 2023.” Just let that sink in. 45 million acres of farmland and that doesn’t include what that snake Bill Gates has bought up. Think about the implications on the food supply in the future. China has already bought the Smithfield company.
In God we trust not government or man.
Have a blessed day.