House approves restrictions on foreign land purchases near military sites and curbs drone purchases

Representative Turk, carrying the House substitute for Senate Bill 9, said the bill is intended to protect strategic infrastructure and lands near military installations by restricting ownership and state procurement from certain "countries of concern." Turk cited the listed countries in the text as the People’s Republic of China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Venezuela.

Key provisions described on the floor require foreign principals from those countries to register interests in real estate within 100 miles of a military installation with the Kansas attorney general within 90 days and provide for judicial divestiture where acquisitions exceed allowed holdings or remain unregistered. The bill also bars recipients from certain state economic development incentives and prohibits the state and its agencies from buying drones or essential drone parts from the listed countries.

Representatives debated an amendment that adds a notification requirement: the attorney general must notify affected owners and the secretary of state must flag renewal notices for business entities so they are aware of registration obligations. The amendment sponsor said the change provides a warning period and is intended to avoid catching lawful, non-notifying residents and business owners by surprise; that notification requirement sunsets in 2028.

Supporters described the bill as a bipartisan, negotiated response to perceived threats and as a way to protect critical facilities and public investment. Representative Penn and others praised the compromise and urged passage. Law-enforcement and local-government concerns were raised: Representative Amex (speaking for Lawrence-area constituents) noted the cost implications for local police that might need to replace drone fleets to comply with the procurement restriction and asked lawmakers to consider transition assistance.

Representative McDonald asked about divestiture scenarios — such as where a compelled sale yields below-market offers or no buyer — and Turk said judicial processes would be used and judges could consider mitigating circumstances. Representative Susan Ruiz asked whether the measure would be retroactive to longtime lawful residents from listed countries; Turk replied the bill is not retroactive and that a registered foreign national would generally be required to register rather than immediately be forced from property.

After floor debate and adoption of the amendment, the committee of the whole recommended the substitute for Senate Bill 9 be passed as amended and the body voted to report the bill favorably.