Committee backs HB 291 to tighten foreign‑ownership rules for Utah land

Representative Perusi described HB 291 as follow‑up work to prior sessions that restricted land ownership by certain foreign entities and established enforcement tools for county recorders and the Department of Public Safety. He said the state has seen divestiture of roughly 38,000 acres, including property near training ranges and airports, and proposed lowering the ownership threshold from 51% to 25% for shell companies or subsidiaries to strengthen enforcement.

Perusi said the bill would require DPS to notify suspected entities and provide a 30‑day window to submit proof; after that window a fine process would start and eventual property confiscation is possible under the statute as drafted. He also said the measure clarifies coordination between DPS and the Attorney General's office.

Committee members thanked the sponsor for multi‑year work on the issue and noted interest in how the 25% threshold will perform; no public testimony was recorded. The committee voted to favorably recommend HB 291 to the full Senate by voice vote.