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House advances bill barring certain foreign adversaries from buying agricultural land
Summary
The South Carolina House advanced a revised bill that would block companies tied to federally identified "foreign adversaries" from buying agricultural land; lawmakers debated scope, grandfathering and enforcement before adopting the amendment and approving second reading by roll call.
The South Carolina House on Wednesday advanced legislation aimed at preventing companies tied to federally designated foreign adversaries from buying agricultural land in the state. Representative Hadden, sponsor of the strike‑and‑insert amendment, told colleagues the change narrows the bill to target foreign adversaries and corporate entities rather than individual U.S. citizens with foreign ties.
The amendment explains that land purchases by companies linked to countries the U.S. Secretary of Commerce identifies as adversaries would be prohibited; local or state attorneys could seek to have such parcels taken by the state if the law is violated. "If you are from one of those declared countries that are an enemy state of the U.S., you cannot buy ag ground," Representative Hadden said in floor remarks explaining the amendment.
Several members pressed Hadden on details. Representative McCravy asked whether the amendment simply refines the original bill; Hadden replied the revised language mirrors litigation‑tested language from another state and is intended to be narrower and more defensible in court. Representative Kaske asked whether the measure would bar purchases by corporate subsidiaries or companies with controlling interests tied to adversary states; Hadden said grandfathered owners may remain but new purchases by qualifying government actors or disqualified non‑governmental entities would be prohibited.
Lawmakers also discussed federal coordination. Representative Moore asked how the Department of Commerce designations would interact with state enforcement; Hadden said federal identification would trigger the state prohibition and noted the federal process includes due process and qualification steps. Debate concluded with the House adopting the amendment by voice vote and then approving second reading of the bill on a roll call vote of 116–0.
The bill now advances with the committee‑tested amendment in place; supporters said it protects installations such as Shaw Air Force Base and the state’s agricultural supply, while sponsors said grandfathering limits immediate displacements. Opponents did not mount a recorded opposition on second reading. The bill will return to further House consideration as it moves through the legislative process.
