Committee advances constitutional amendment to bar certain "foreign adversaries" from owning Wyoming property

The Agriculture, State & Public Lands & Water Resources Committee on Monday moved House Joint Resolution No. 2, which would send a proposed amendment to the Wyoming Constitution to voters to prohibit certain "foreign adversaries" from possessing, enjoying or inheriting real property in Wyoming.

The resolution, introduced for committee consideration by the joint interim committee, would amend Article I, Section 29 of the Wyoming Constitution to add a prohibition barring foreign adversaries of the United States that pose a threat to national security from entitlement to possession, enjoyment or descent of real property, including surface, subsurface, airspace or mineral interests.

The proposal would appear on the ballot only if the Legislature adopts the joint resolution by the constitutionally required majorities; the committee’s action advances the language for further legislative consideration. The committee’s discussion and public comment focused on the resolution’s definitions and their alignment with federal guidance.

Jody Levin, representing the Trona industry in the Wyoming Mining Association, told the committee the industry had pressed for narrower definitions after prior sessions produced bills with overly broad language. "Those definitions do not capture your extractive industries that are currently operating in Wyoming," Levin said, adding the industry worked with the committee, the Corporations Committee and the Secretary of State to align definitions with the federal list in 15 C.F.R. 791.4.

Karen Clark, representing the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation, said the Federation supports the joint resolution and described it as an important national security measure. "Our members are very supportive of this topic," Clark said.

A Sublette County resident, Bill Winnie, also spoke in favor, saying Wyoming’s 1890 constitution did not contemplate modern national-security concerns and urging the Legislature to proceed.

On the motion to advance the resolution, Senator Pearson moved and Senator McKeown seconded. The roll call recorded Senator Eyde — Aye; Senator McEwen — Aye; Senator Pearson — Aye; Chairman French — Aye. The clerk reported "four ayes" and left the roll open for Senator Crago, who was excused and expected to record a vote if present before adjournment.

The committee record shows the resolution language references the federal regulatory definition at 15 C.F.R. 791.4; the committee and commenters stressed that alignment to federal definitions was intended to avoid unintentionally capturing domestic extractive companies.