HB1705

Missouri HB1705 restricts foreign ownership of agricultural land, requiring divestiture by August 2031 and prohibiting new acquisitions after August.

Missouri HB1705 changes laws regarding foreign ownership of agricultural land. It mandates that foreign businesses divest any interest in agricultural land by August 28, 2031. The Department of Agriculture must compile a list of such lands and notify foreign businesses by January 1, 2027. Beginning August 28, 2026, no alien or foreign business can acquire agricultural land in Missouri. Those who already own such land cannot transfer it to another foreign business after August 28, 2026. The bill also prohibits holding agricultural land as an agent or trustee for a foreign business.