ATLANTA – State Representative Lauren Daniel (R-Locust Grove) yesterday voted in support of Senate Bill 420, which would prohibit a person who is not a U.S. citizen or legal resident or is an agent of a foreign government designated as a foreign adversary from purchasing agricultural land in Georgia. The bill passed in the House and will now go back to the Senate for final passage before being sent to Governor Kemp for his consideration.
“I represent Henry County, which holds the second largest amount of farmland that has been bought by Chinese entities in the State of Georgia, and constituents of mine of all backgrounds and both political parties have made it abundantly clear that they are sick and tired of foreign adversaries buying up our farmland and over developing our communities,” said Rep. Daniel. “I appreciate the authors of the bill and our Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper for his support of this legislation that aims to secure our food source. I was proud to vote for this measure, and I am excited to see this bill pass as we continue to work toward protecting Georgia’s agricultural land throughout the state and support our number one industry.”
Additionally, Senate Bill 420 would restrict these individuals from purchasing agricultural land within a 10-mile radius of a military installation. Under the legislation, any agricultural land acquired by a nonresident alien through inheritance would be disposed of within one year after acquisition. Violations would be considered a felony with punishment of a fine up to $15,000 and imprisonment between one to two years.
To read more about Senate Bill 420, please click here.
Representative Lauren Daniel represents the citizens of District 117, which includes portions of Henry and Spalding counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves as the Secretary of the Education and State Planning & Community Affairs committees. She also serves on the Transportation Committee.
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