On February 3, 2025, the Oklahoma State Legislature introduced House Bill 1546, a significant piece of legislation aimed at restricting land ownership by foreign entities deemed adversarial to the United States. The bill identifies specific countries—China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia—as "foreign government adversaries," and seeks to prevent individuals or entities from these nations from acquiring land in Oklahoma.

The primary purpose of House Bill 1546 is to safeguard state resources and maintain national security by limiting foreign influence in local real estate markets. The bill defines key terms, including "foreign government enterprise" and "foreign government entity," to clarify the scope of its restrictions. Under the proposed law, non-citizens and foreign government adversaries would be prohibited from owning land directly or indirectly through various business structures, although they would retain rights to personal property.

Debate surrounding the bill has already begun, with proponents arguing that it is a necessary measure to protect Oklahoma's interests and prevent potential economic and security risks associated with foreign ownership of land. Critics, however, raise concerns about the implications for foreign investment and the potential for retaliatory actions from the targeted nations. Some experts warn that such restrictions could deter legitimate business opportunities and harm the state's economy.

The bill's introduction comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and the identified adversarial nations, reflecting a broader trend of increasing scrutiny on foreign investments in critical sectors. If passed, House Bill 1546 could set a precedent for similar legislation in other states, potentially reshaping the landscape of foreign investment across the country.

As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the discussions and potential amendments to the bill. The outcome could have lasting implications for Oklahoma's economic environment and its relationship with foreign investors, making it a pivotal issue for both state lawmakers and the business community.