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Senate approves ban on land purchases near military installations by certain foreign principals
Summary
The Arizona Senate voted to approve SB 1082, a measure prohibiting ‘‘foreign principals from designated countries’’ from purchasing or acquiring substantial interests in property near state military installations; the bill passed after debate over constitutional risks and potential discriminatory effects.
The Arizona Senate approved SB 1082 on June 27, 2025, a bill that bars a “foreign principal from a designated country” from purchasing, owning or acquiring a substantial interest in real property within a statutory distance of state military installations. The measure passed on final passage with recorded support and opposition on the floor.
Supporters said the bill is intended to protect installations such as Luke Air Force Base from influence or surveillance by foreign adversaries. “It ensures that foreign entities from designated countries, those considered adversarial by the federal government, are prohibited from acquiring land near Arizona’s military installations, including in LD 29, Luke Air Force Base,” Senator Schamp said on the floor.
Opponents raised constitutional and historical concerns. Several senators argued that the bill’s broad language risks treating people differently on the basis of national origin and could face legal challenge under equal-protection doctrine and federal preemption. “This begins by taking away the right of a person simply because of their nationality, and that seems very much opposed to the U.S. Constitution,” Senator Epstein said during debate. Another senator noted the history of discriminatory ‘‘alien land laws’’ and warned the measure risks repeating that history.
The sponsor and backers said amendments and consultation with stakeholders, including base leadership and state security offices, narrowed earlier language and struck a balance between security and civil‑rights concerns. The sponsor thanked military and state partners for input and said the bill reflects bipartisan compromise.
Outcome and next steps: The Senate recorded the final passage of SB 1082 and instructed the secretary to transmit the bill to the governor for signature. The measure’s legal vulnerabilities and the possibility of litigation were repeatedly mentioned on the floor; supporters said they will work to defend the statute if challenged.
Votes and margin: The Senate closed voting with a recorded tally showing 19 ayes, 10 nays and 1 not voting. The bill will be sent to the governor.
