Housing (Mortgages)

This bill prohibits foreign persons from purchasing or acquiring controlling interests in single-family homes in Idaho starting July 1, 2026, and also restricts foreign governments and state-controlled enterprises from owning certain types of land like agricultural and forest land. It defines "foreign persons" to include non-U.S. citizens, foreign corporations, foreign governments, and various business entities acting on their behalf, while exempting U.S. citizens and legal residents. If a foreign person acquires a restricted property after the effective date, they must sell it within 180 days, and the attorney general can initiate legal action to force a sale through judicial foreclosure if they do not comply. The bill also establishes a whistleblower program that allows individuals to report violations and receive a 30% reward from the proceeds of any forced property sales, while protecting those who do not investigate foreign ownership status from liability.