ATLANTA — The question of who can own land in Georgia remains contentious as Senate Bill 420 (SB-420), aimed at restricting land purchases by agents of foreign adversaries, awaits Gov. Brian Kemp's signature following its recent passage in the state legislature.
The bill seeks to limit individuals acting as "agents" of certain foreign countries or opponents from acquiring agricultural land and properties within ten miles of military installations. According to local advocates and lawmakers, this measure, which has been part of a national trend, represents a unique approach in Georgia.
Tim Hur, a former president of the Asian Real Estate Association of America and a real estate broker, expressed concerns about SB-420 and similar bills nationwide. Hur highlighted the potential impact of these measures on real property ownership, particularly for individuals who might resemble those affected by the restrictions.
"[SB-420] basically singles out individuals or people from restricting and buying real property in Georgia. And that is a concern," Hur explained.
The bill focuses explicitly on agents from China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela and Russia. The Code of Federal Regulations defines the countries in the bill that would prevent people from purchasing designated properties from these locations. During the legislative session, Republican lawmakers emphasized national security as the driving force behind the bill, disclaiming any discriminatory intent.
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Senator Bill Cowsert clarified the bill's objectives during crossover day in February, stating, "It is not picking on anybody based on what their heritage is at all." He emphasized that the bill focuses on individuals who are citizens of these countries and acting as agents within the United States illegally.
Similar bills have emerged in other states, including Louisiana, Alabama, and Arkansas, particularly regarding China. Notably, Florida passed a comparable law last year and faces legal challenges in the 11th Circuit Court.
Dr. Andra Gillespie, a political scientist, explained the state-level involvement in such legislation, attributing it to federal inaction on the issue. She highlighted the role of state governments in addressing gaps left by federal statutes, citing concerns over Chinese surveillance as a catalyst for legislative action.
As the bill awaits the governor's decision, Tim Hur underscored lingering apprehensions about its potential implications.
"The main country that we're talking about is China, and I'm not Chinese. However, the bill does affect people who look like me at the end of the day," Hur noted.
Governor Kemp has until May 7th to either sign SB-420 into law or veto it. 11Alive.com reached out to the governor's office for comment but has not yet received a response.