HB516 bans certain foreign entities from owning land in Utah, targeting those owned or controlled by the governments of China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia, or entities with a majority interest from these countries. Restricted entities must sell any land they own in Utah within a year. The Department of Public Safety will maintain a list of such entities, oversee land transfer reports, investigate violations, and collaborate with county recorders. If an entity fails to comply, the state may auction the land.
The Utah State House of Representatives passed HB516 on February 23, 2024 by a vote of 72 to 0. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because this is a great step toward preserving state sovereignty. Ultimately, allowing foreigners from countries that reject American values, such as Communist China, to purchase mass amounts of land is a sure way to lose national and state sovereignty. Non-Americans buying property is Utah compromises national security and impedes on citizens’ rights.