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Georgia’s New Legislation Targets Foreign Influence

A legislative session focused on passing laws to regulate foreign investments in Georgia.

News Summary

Governor Brian Kemp has enacted legislation in Georgia aimed at curbing foreign adversaries’ impact on business and land acquisitions. The new laws, including House Bill 113 and House Bill 358, create stricter regulations surrounding foreign investments and mandate reporting of foreign funding in public universities. While these measures focus on enhancing state security, concerns have been raised about potential discrimination and the broader impact on international collaboration. As the laws take effect, their implications on Georgia’s economy and international relations will be closely monitored.

Atlanta, Georgia – Governor Brian Kemp has signed new legislation aimed at restricting business dealings and land purchases by foreign adversaries in the state. The two major pieces of legislation, House Bill 113 and House Bill 358, are part of Kemp’s broader agenda to enhance state security and streamline business operations.

House Bill 113 mandates the Georgia Technology Authority to maintain an updated list of companies and products from foreign adversaries, as designated by the U.S. Commerce Department. This law aims to protect state agencies from potential interference and influence by foreign entities. House Bill 113 passed with overwhelming support, clearing the Senate unanimously and receiving only minimal opposition in the House of Representatives.

During the signing ceremony, the Governor reiterated his commitment to safeguarding the integrity of state government and ensuring that it remains untainted by foreign adversarial interests. In addition to House Bill 113, Kemp signed House Bill 579, which modernizes the licensing process in Georgia by allowing the director of the Professional Licensing Board Division to approve business license applications without the need for lengthy board reviews. This reform aims to facilitate smoother business operations for qualified applicants in the state.

Furthermore, the legislation signed by Kemp includes initiatives aimed at streamlining state government processes. However, a comprehensive “red tape rollback” bill, known as Senate Bill 28, did not pass in the General Assembly, indicating some limitations in the legislative agenda this year. Additional measures were also introduced to prevent foreign entities from purchasing land in Georgia, particularly targeting nationals of countries perceived as threats, including China.

House Bill 150 would require public universities in Georgia to report quarterly on any funding received from nations such as China and Russia. Critics have raised concerns that this law may inadvertently restrict access for international students, potentially impacting the collaborative and diverse educational environment in Georgia’s universities.

Another significant piece of legislation, House Bill 358, prohibits foreign agents from purchasing land near military bases in Georgia. This law is set to take effect on July 1 and includes penalties for violations, which may include felony charges and fines. The necessity of this law aligns with a broader national trend following a federal report indicating that foreign investors currently own around 40 million acres of U.S. agricultural land, raising alarms about national security and sovereignty.

Debates surrounding the legislation revealed concerns regarding potential racial discrimination against individuals of Asian descent, as some critics argued that these laws could lead to unfair targeting based on nationality. Supporters, however, argue that the measures are essential for national security, especially in light of escalating global tensions and notable incidents such as the Chinese spy balloon episode earlier this year.

The passage of these laws marks a significant step in Georgia’s efforts to address concerns related to foreign influence in both economics and land ownership, reflecting ongoing discussions at the state and federal levels about how to best protect national interests in a rapidly changing global landscape. As these new regulations are implemented, state officials and stakeholders will be monitoring their effects on business operations and relationships with international partners.