House tightens disclosure rules for restricted foreign land ownership and extends provisions to leases; bill unanimously passes

The Utah House unanimously adopted first substitute House Bill 430 on Feb. 25, 2025, requiring disclosure by restricted foreign entities when acquiring land and extending the statute's reach to leases as well as purchases. The measure passed on a recorded vote of 67-0 and was described by the sponsor as a national-security safeguard.

Sponsor Representative Perucci said the state previously barred purchases by restricted foreign entities and their subsidiaries; the floor amendment directed recorders and the Department of Public Safety to ensure disclosures are filed at time of sale. The bill also adds language to address food-delivery services entering military installations: sponsors asked for a drop-zone approach so deliveries occur at the gate and delivery services mark installations as "dead zones." Representative Chu successfully moved an amendment to add leases to the statute, noting a local situation where 700 acres had been leased by a questionable corporation.

Floor discussion emphasized coordination with the Utah National Guard, Department of Public Safety and county recorders. Perucci said county recorders would receive the disclosure as part of standard recording practice and pass it to DPS; he said the bill places the disclosure responsibility on purchasers and should not add enforcement burdens to recorders.

The House recorded the vote as 67 yay and 0 nay; the bill will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration.

Provenance: Sponsor presentation and amendment discussion appear at s~5014's~5288; the vote is recorded at s~5461.

Ending: Sponsors portrayed the bill as a targeted adjustment to prior law to enhance state-level review of foreign-controlled land and lease activity near sensitive sites; implementation will require departmental guidance and coordination with county recorders and the National Guard.