Committee introduces bill to force sale or foreclosure of land owned by 'foreign adversaries' and create Southwest Idaho 'military sanctuary'

The Idaho House State Affairs Committee voted to introduce RS31901, sponsored by Representative Ted Hill of District 14, a measure that would require identified foreign adversaries who own certain agricultural, forest, mining or water-rights property to sell those holdings within 180 days or face foreclosure and would create a restricted military “sanctuary” area in southwest Idaho.

Hill told the committee the proposal builds on prior Idaho laws restricting foreign purchases of farmland, forest and infrastructure and cited examples in other states, including Arkansas, where similar enforcement mechanisms have been used. He told the committee that owners identified as foreign adversaries would be required to sell within 180 days or the state would foreclose; proceeds would be distributed under a scheme in the bill, and the sponsor said a whistleblower provision would award roughly 30% of proceeds to a whistleblower who exposes concealed foreign control. Hill also described creating a military sanctuary to protect airspace and operations and said he had discussed the concept with military leadership.

Committee members broadly supported the bill’s national-security goals but raised multiple drafting and legal questions. Several members urged the sponsor to clarify the statutory definition of “foreign adversary” and whether the measure should track a federal designation or permit a governor’s determination; some suggested the committee could return the bill to the sponsor to make those changes before introduction. Representative Boyle noted that earlier Idaho legislation constrained foreign government purchases and that the current draft is a further step. Representative Dygard asked where foreclosed assets and proceeds would go; Hill said distribution rules are in the bill and that he would identify the exact citation at the full hearing.

Representative Palmer moved to introduce RS31901; the motion carried on a voice vote. Committee discussion noted options for aligning the definition of "foreign adversary" with a federal list or using a governor's designation to avoid frequent legislative updates. The sponsor said the Attorney General had reviewed and approved the drafting approach he used and that enforcement would rely in part on whistleblowers and district court proceedings.

Next steps: RS31901 was introduced for printing and will return for a full hearing where members expect to resolve definitional questions, enforcement mechanics and the distribution of proceeds from foreclosure.