(The Center Square) – The Iowa Senate passed a bill that creates tighter restrictions on land owners by foreign entities during its first day of floor debate.
Senate File 2204 would give the attorney general subpoena powers to investigate land ownership. The bill also increases penalties for foreign entities that don’t file with the secretary of state or falsify a report.
The bill passed unanimously with little floor discussion.
Gov. Kim Reynolds requested the bill.
“Iowa plays a major role in feeding and fueling the world, and it is important we maintain our dominance as the leading agriculture powerhouse,” Reynolds said. “But as threats of foreign ownership of land adapt, so should our laws. American soil should remain in American hands. I am pleased that the Senate has passed my bill providing greater protections for Iowa farmland and increased penalties for foreign owners that don’t comply with our laws.”
A companion bill passed
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