Foreign ownership of Wyoming agricultural lands.
HB 168 prohibits nonresident aliens, foreign businesses, and foreign governments from purchasing or acquiring agricultural land in Wyoming, with limited exceptions. It directly affects foreign entities seeking to own farmland, requiring existing owners (as of July 1, 2024) to retain but not expand their holdings. Key provisions include mandatory registration of agricultural lands, annual reporting, and penalties for violations - including state takeover (escheat) of noncompliant land. Exceptions allow inheritance, security interests, debt collection, and research use (with strict limits on commercial sales).
Bill status
died
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2024
Committee Review
Mar 2024
House Passage
Feb 2024
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Feb 15, 2024
Last action Mar 5, 2024
Floor votes · House Feb 15, 2024
How they voted
47–11
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 59
Feb 15, 2024
D
Democratic5
100% Nay
R
Republican54
87% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
6
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Mar 5, 2024
Committee
H:Died in Committee Returned Bill Pursuant to HR 5-4
lower
Feb 15, 2024
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (47-11-1)
house
Feb 15, 2024
Introduced
H Introduced and Referred to H05 - Agriculture 50-11-1-0-0
lower
1 primary · 8 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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