Wyoming2024Inactive

HB0168

Foreign Ownership Ban on Wyoming Agricultural Lands

Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 2:25 AM

In one sentence

This act prohibits foreign individuals and entities from owning agricultural lands in Wyoming, with some exceptions.

What it does

Bans nonresident aliens, foreign businesses, and foreign governments from buying or acquiring agricultural land in Wyoming.
Allows existing owners to keep their current holdings but prevents them from purchasing more land unless it is inherited or received through a will.
Requires registration of all agricultural lands and reporting by those who own such lands.

Who it affects

Nonresident aliens, foreign businesses, and foreign governments owning or wanting to buy agricultural land in Wyoming.
Current owners of agricultural land who are non-U.S. citizens or entities.

Limits and unknowns

The bill did not pass and was marked as inactive, meaning it will not become law in its current form.
Details about enforcement mechanisms and penalties are limited to what is provided in the summary text.

Plain language

Terms to know

Agricultural Land: Land suitable for farming, raising livestock, growing crops, and other related activities as defined by Wyoming law.
Foreign Business: Any corporation or business entity incorporated outside the United States where a majority interest is owned directly or indirectly by non-U.S. citizens.

Official record

Sources

Validated

Official bill page Introduced text Official digest Current bill text Stored full record

Public statements

Why lawmakers voted

Last checked Aug 5, 6:04 AM

Dalton Banks

R · H26

Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker supports introducing the bill because neighboring states have similar laws and foreign ownership currently affects hundreds of thousands of acres in Wyoming. The speaker aims to create a constitutional framework that protects state farmland while allowing for future amendments.

Public statementFloor statement at 55:40 Watch the statement

Clark D Stith

H48

Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the bill because its current restrictions on lease terms would prevent a multi-billion dollar industrial expansion project that is expected to create hundreds of jobs.

Public statementFloor statement at 57:00 Watch the statement

If a lawmaker is not listed, we couldn't find a published reason.

Wyoming roll calls

Recorded votes

1 roll call

H Introduced and Referred to H05 - Agriculture 50-11-1-0-02024-02-15 · House50 yes 11 no

Yes: 50
No: 11
Absent: 0
Excused: 1
Conflict: 0

Official activity

Bill history

2024-03-05H:Died in Committee Returned Bill Pursuant to HR 5-4House
2024-02-23H No report prior to CoW CutoffHouse
2024-02-15H Introduced and Referred to H05 - Agriculture 50-11-1-0-0House
2024-02-13H Received for IntroductionHouse
2024-02-12Bill Number AssignedLSO