Agricultural Land and Programs - Scrutinized Entities

HB 471 prohibits nonresident aliens, businesses, and government employees from countries subject to U.S. arms embargoes (as listed under 22 C.F.R. § 126.1) from purchasing agricultural land in Maryland or participating in non-food-safety state agricultural programs. The bill directly affects these specific foreign entities by restricting their access to farmland and certain state agricultural initiatives. Key provisions add these restrictions to Maryland’s agricultural code, explicitly excluding programs related to food or food safety regulations. The law takes effect October 1, 2025, and automatically ends if federal law permits states to enforce such restrictions.