SB 270 Summary

• Prohibits foreign persons from owning, purchasing, leasing, or controlling agricultural land in Michigan effective upon enactment, with exceptions for inheritance, foreclosure, and debt collection procedures.

• Allows foreign persons who currently own agricultural land to retain existing holdings but must register with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development within 1 year and cannot acquire additional agricultural land.

• Establishes waiver process through the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development with nonexpedited waivers ($500 business/$100 inheritance) decided within 60 days and expedited waivers ($1,000 business/$200 inheritance) decided within 30 days; applicants have 1 year to divest if waiver is denied.

• Defines "foreign person" as nonresident aliens, foreign businesses, or foreign governments, and includes agents, trustees, or fiduciaries acting on their behalf; excludes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and Canadian or Mexican passport holders.

• Authorizes the Attorney General to file civil action to escheat agricultural land acquired in violation of the law and order its sale via foreclosure, with proceeds distributed to court costs and any remainder to the person divested of the land.