The House Judiciary Committee met to discuss a bill introduced by Rep. Craig Haggard, R-Mooresville that would prevent certain foreign individuals or business entities from owning property in Indiana. The bill, HB 1032, targets individuals from countries considered foreign adversaries, such as China, Russia, and North Korea. The bill is similar to a Florida law that was recently halted by the courts.
Erin Tuttle, a representative from Attorney General Todd Rokita’s office, clarified that the bill would apply to individuals or businesses domiciled in these foreign adversary countries. Rep. Haggard argued that the bill is necessary to protect against potential coercion or influence from these countries.
The bill has faced questions regarding its financial impact, with Rep. Maureen Bauer, D-South Bend, expressing concerns about potential duplication of efforts and misuse of taxpayer dollars. The fiscal note for 2026 requests $563,300 to implement the bill.
The Florida law that inspired HB 1032, known as SB 264, was put on hold by the courts in February 2024 due to concerns about preemption by federal law. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals granted an injunction against enforcing the law, pending a decision on the appeal.
Overall, the bill has sparked discussion and debate within the House Judiciary Committee, raising questions about its legal implications and financial costs. It remains to be seen how the bill will progress through the legislative process.
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