Sen. Stafsholt introduces bill in Wisconsin Senate to limit foreign land ownership

This new bill authored by State Sen. Rob Stafsholt aims to address concerns over foreign influence by limiting foreign ownership of land in Wisconsin, according to the Wisconsin State Senate.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature’s official website, the bill was described as follows: “limitations on ownership of real property in this state by foreign persons. (FE)”.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill revises limitations on foreign ownership of agricultural and other real property in Wisconsin, aiming to address concerns over land ownership near critical areas and foreign influence. It reduces the maximum amount of agricultural land a foreign entity can hold from 640 to 50 acres and broadens the definition of entities affected by these limits. The bill prohibits foreign persons from owning any real property within 10 miles of military installations, necessitating divestment within 18 months of obtaining such property. It also bans foreign adversaries, as determined by the U.S. Department of Commerce, from acquiring any real estate in the state. Violations result in forfeiture of the property to the state, with enforcement by the attorney general. The provisions take effect on the first day of the first month after the bill’s enactment.

The bill was co-authored by Representative Clint P. Moses (Republican-92nd District), Senator Julian Bradley (Republican-28th District), Senator Steve L. Nass (Republican-11th District), Senator Brad Pfaff (Democrat-32nd District), Senator Van H. Wanggaard (Republican-21st District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Scott Allen (Republican-82nd District), Representative David Armstrong (Republican-67th District), and Representative Lindee Rae Brill (Republican-27th District), along 14 other co-sponsors.

Rob Stafsholt has authored or co-authored another 15 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.

Stafsholt, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2021 to represent the state’s 10th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Patty Schachtner.

In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.