This bill clarifies South Dakota's rules on foreign ownership of agricultural land by specifying that foreigners can own up to 160 acres (with some exceptions for land held as collateral for debt) but face no restrictions on leasing land or holding easements. The bill also details what happens when these rules are broken—land owned illegally is forfeited to the state, illegal leases are terminated, and minority owners who violate the rules lose their ownership share plus face additional civil penalties.
AI-generated summary
This bill does not directly amend codified state law.
This amendment changes the exemption language in the foreign land ownership rules by removing specific categories (devise or inheritance) and clarifying that only land held as security for debt is exempted from the 160-acre limit, which NARROWS the scope of exemptions for foreign entities acquiring agricultural land. The amendment also updates the federal statute reference from January 1, 2024 to January 1, 2026 in the reporting requirements section.
Signed by the Governor S.J. 529
Delivered to the Governor S.J. 510
Signed by the Speaker H.J. 543
Signed by the President S.J. 485
House of Representatives Do Pass Passed, YEAS 65, NAYS 2. H.J. 515
Agriculture and Natural Resources Do Pass Passed, YEAS 9, NAYS 0. H.J. 35
Agriculture and Natural Resources Scheduled for hearing H.J. 1
First read in House and referred to House Agriculture and Natural Resources H.J. 53
Senate Do Pass Passed, YEAS 32, NAYS 0. S.J. 60
Agriculture and Natural Resources Certified uncontested, placed on consent S.J. 1
Agriculture and Natural Resources Do Pass Passed, YEAS 7, NAYS 0. S.J. 1
Agriculture and Natural Resources Scheduled for hearing
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources S.J. 10
Do Pass
Agriculture and Natural Resources — Do Pass
Do Pass
Agriculture and Natural Resources — Do Pass