JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri House Agriculture Committee Thursday passed HCS HB 903, 430, 465, 499 a critical national security bill sponsored by Representative Mike Haffner (R-Pleasant Hill) that protects fair competition and limits foreign ownership of Missouri farmland by defined enemies of the United States of America.
The HCS is a combined team effort from Haffner, Rep. Chad Perkins (R-Bowling Green), Rep. Kurtis Gregory (R-Marshall), and Rep. Mazzie Boyd (R-Hamilton).
“This legislation puts Missouri and Missourians first by balancing the concept of protecting important investments in our state and protecting our national security interests from our enemies,” said Rep. Haffner, a former Naval Aviator and combat veteran. “This commonsense bill will continue to allow our allies access and opportunities to participate in our economically diverse free market global system, while strongly limiting the access of our enemies.”
HCS HB 903 limits foreign ownership of Missouri farmland to one-half of one percent from the current restriction in statute of one percent. Furthermore, HCS HB 903 requires foreign entities to report sales, acquisitions, or transfers of land to the Missouri Attorney General and Secretary of State. The legislation requires a report at sale or transfer of land, every five years thereafter, or if the use of the land changes.
The bill also provides statutory authority to the Missouri Attorney General to investigate acquisitions of agricultural land if there are any violations of the bill’s provisions, with any violation subject to divestiture under current statute.
In the bill, “Restrictive Country” is defined as China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela, and restricts those countries ownership of any land in Missouri.
The bill encourages friends and allies of the United States to continue cooperating with Missouri-based companies, especially in agriculture research and development.
The bill also provides a review mechanism for the definition of “Restrictive Country” that is controlled through the legislative process within the State of Missouri. Every two years, or as is necessary, the Missouri Governor receives recommendations from the Missouri Homeland Security Council for the Missouri General Assembly to approve the addition or removal of countries on the list.
The companion senate bill’s sponsor, Sen. Jason Bean (R-Peach Orchard) said, “The work of Missouri farmers helps feed the world. As a lifelong farmer I understand the importance of protecting markets for Missouri agriculture and value the hard work of our agriculture groups to develop these markets. I will always work to protect Missouri farmers and our proud heritage. This commonsense bill serves dual purposes by protecting production and promoting a safe and secure America. Our food security is our national security.”
“Missouri is an international leader in multiple industries from aerospace to agriculture research, and the defense of our sovereignty, economy, and institutions depends on this commonsense legislation to protect Missouri companies by promoting the economic security of the United States,” said Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe. “With this bill, Missouri will hold the countries accountable who seek to economically harm the United States, our companies, and our citizens.”
“We have a duty to Missourians and Missouri businesses to protect them from the efforts and influence of foreign nations that wish to do us harm. As a state, we are blessed to have a vibrant agricultural economy that has robust trade relationships with many of our allies around the globe. I applaud my colleagues for advancing a measure that will help us, protect and grow these partnerships while preventing the efforts of our enemies to disrupt our economy and compromise our security,” said Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher.
“Providing the ability for our office to seek justice on behalf of Missourians and also hold our enemies accountable is as critical today as it has ever been. For generations, Americans have fought to uphold our values and protect our national security interests,” said Attorney General Andrew Bailey, an Army combat veteran who served in the War on Terror. “This includes preserving our freedoms and the freedom for our allies to participate and compete in our free market system which is the envy of the free world, and this bill does both.”
“Foreign ownership of land has been a concern for many years in Missouri and I have appreciated the opportunity to work with Representatives Haffner, Gregory and Sen. Bean to finally put Missourians on a solid foundation with regard to land ownership,” Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft said. “This bill will provide enhanced food and national security and a robust tracking and enforcement mechanism while still promoting economic growth in Missouri. This is the first step, and I will continue to work to see the bill passed and for legislative improvements in the future.”
HCS HB 903 does not require any automatic divestitures of land investments by United States’ allies, thus preventing any negative impact to the free-market system, nor significant reductions in the value of Missourians’ investments in these entities. HCS HB 903 requires one more vote in the House Rules Committee before moving on to debate and the full House for consideration