Gov. Holcomb signs bill banning â€˜Foreign Adversariesâ€™ from buying Indiana farmland into law

Monday, March 18, 2024 at 4:36 AM

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Gov. Eric Holcomb (R-IN) has signed a bill into law that bans China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela from owning or leasing farmland in Indiana.

The bill (House Bill 1183), which was written and introduced by Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer), also prevents China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from buying any real estate within 10 miles of all military installations in Indiana.

"Thank you to Gov. Holcomb for protecting Hoosiers by signing [this bill] into law,” said Rep. Culp. “Indiana farmland and military installations will be protected from those countries who wish to do us harm. Our food and water supply will remain in the hands of Hoosier farmers and property owners as it should. We cannot afford to let our enemies control even a fraction of our food supply or conduct surveillance near our military resources. HB1183 will provide peace of mind for Hoosiers. I'm proud to author the legislation and thank Sen. Jean Leising for sponsoring it in the senate. It's an exciting day for the citizens of Indiana."

The bill had received unanimous support from both the Indiana House and Senate.

The new law takes effect July 1, 2024.

Photo: Gov. Eric Holcomb (R-IN) speaking at the Indiana Statehouse in Nov. 2023. Photo: C.J. Miller.