A heated discussion on national security and foreign ownership of land took center stage during the Idaho Senate State Affairs meeting on March 28, 2025. Lawmakers debated House Bill 356, which aims to restrict foreign adversaries from owning property in Idaho, citing concerns over potential threats to national security.

Representative Hill, a key proponent of the bill, emphasized the urgency of addressing foreign ownership, particularly from nations like China and Russia. "These guys are trying to kill us, destroy our country," he stated, underscoring the need for stringent measures against foreign adversaries. Hill argued that the bill is designed to protect Idaho's interests and ensure that foreign entities with hostile intentions do not gain a foothold in the state.

The discussion also highlighted technical concerns regarding the bill's language. Some lawmakers questioned the implications of a 180-day disposal period for foreign governments to divest their property, suggesting that existing mortgages could be rendered void if the ownership was deemed invalid. Senator Adams proposed a cleanup of the bill to remove certain subsections that could complicate the process.

Another point of contention arose over the bill's definition of foreign adversaries. Senator Shippey raised concerns that the list could change without legislative oversight, potentially impacting legitimate foreign investments. He suggested that the bill should specify current adversaries to prevent arbitrary changes by federal authorities.

Despite these concerns, the committee ultimately moved to advance House Bill 356 to the Senate floor with a recommendation for approval. The bill reflects a growing trend among states to take proactive measures against foreign ownership of land, particularly in light of national security considerations. As the legislative process continues, the implications of this bill could reshape property ownership dynamics in Idaho, particularly for foreign entities.