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Committee recommends due pass for bill allowing AG action to divest foreign principals of Arizona real property
Summary
The committee voted 6–2 (1 absent) to give Senate Bill 11-09 a due-pass recommendation; the bill would authorize the attorney general to seek court divestiture and require county boards to sell real property held by foreign principals identified as security risks by U.S. intelligence.
The House Committee on Land, Agriculture and Rural Affairs returned Senate Bill 11-09 with a due-pass recommendation on a recorded vote of 6 ayes, 2 nays and 1 absent.
Committee staff summarized the measure: "Senate bill 11 o 9, from its foreign principles from countries identified by The US Director Of Natural National Intelligence as a country that poses a risk to national security from holding real property in Arizona. The bill also requires the attorney general to commence an action in the superior court of a county where there is a reasonable suspicion that a foreign principal is holding real property, and directs the court if it finds a foreign principal to be holding real property to enter an order divesting the person's interests and directing the county board of supervisors to sell the real property." (staff punctuation and capitalization as in transcript.)
The sponsor of the bill (identified in the transcript only as the sponsor) said the measure responds to increased purchases by the People's Republic of China near sensitive facilities and described stakeholder meetings over two years. The sponsor said Arizona's Legislative District 29 includes Luke Air Force Base and recounted a meeting with a base general who raised concerns about foreign leases adjacent to the base. The sponsor warned about "pre position[ing] assets to attack a base in the event of a conflict" and said malicious drone incursions had increased in 2024.
Katarina White, an associate with Garrison 48 speaking for State Armor Action, testified in support, saying she had worked at Boeing Phantom Works and described a pattern of land purchases near military and critical infrastructure. White said such acquisitions "put our national security at risk" and argued for proactive steps to prevent acquisitions by the "People's Republic Of China." She also told the committee she was "open to any questions."
Opposition among some committee members focused on implementation and scope. Representative Keshlakai said the bill "only focuses on 1 ethnic group" and cast a no vote; Representative Sandoval explained his no vote, arguing enforcement would be difficult at the state level and suggesting federal screening and funding of the Arizona County Counter Terrorism Information Center as better options.
The motion before the committee was moved by Mr. Turnaman. The committee did not record amendments at the hearing. The committee's recommendation is advisory; any court-authorized divestiture and sale would require judicial proceedings if the bill becomes law.
Votes at a glance: Senate Bill 11-09 — motion: "that Senate Bill 11 o 9 be returned with the due pass recommendation"; outcome: due pass recommendation, tally 6 ayes, 2 nays, 1 absent.
