Senate committee advances bill limiting land sales to certain foreign parties after title-industry concerns

Sen. Blake Johnson (Dist. 21) told the Agriculture committee that SB383 updates a 2021 effort to restrict land purchases by specified foreign parties he described as a defense and food-security measure. Johnson said the bill targets a subset of countries on a federal defense/ITAR-related list rather than imposing a broad ban.

Wes Lassagne of the Arkansas Land Title Association testified he favors the bill’s intent but warned the current draft could create long-term uncertainty for title insurance and marketability when a property had once been owned by a prohibited party. Lassagne urged amendments to ensure that once a prohibited party divests, subsequent owners can obtain clear title and that due-process and enforcement mechanisms (including who may bring divestiture actions in circuit court) are explicit.

Committee members questioned enforcement authority, interaction with prior bills and the timing of late-filed amendments. Sen. Johnson said he wants to work with stakeholders but objected to receiving major amendment proposals on very short notice. After closing remarks acknowledging room for technical fixes, the committee voted to pass SB383 and senators encouraged off-line meetings to 'get the potholes out of it.'

The committee did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript; the motion to pass was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.