Madison Reporter

The new bill authored by State Sen. Jacque seeks to restrict land ownership by foreign adversaries to protect state agriculture and forestry resources, according to the Wisconsin State Senate.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "prohibiting a foreign adversary from acquiring agricultural or forestry land in this state".

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

In essence, this bill seeks to prevent foreign adversaries from acquiring any land for agricultural or forestry purposes in the state. It defines a "foreign adversary" as a foreign government or nongovernmental entity identified by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce as having engaged in conduct significantly adverse to the national security or safety of the U.S. The bill retains the current state restriction prohibiting nonresident aliens and foreign corporations from owning more than 640 acres of agricultural or forestry land. Under these provisions, lands held in violation are subject to forfeiture to the state, and foreign adversaries are prohibited from acquiring such lands from the first month following the bill's effective date or upon their designation as a foreign adversary.

The bill was co-authored by Representative William Penterman (Republican-38th District) Senator Steve L. Nass (Republican-11th District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Scott Allen (Republican-82nd District), Representative David Armstrong (Republican-67th District), and Representative Elijah R. Behnke (Republican-6th District), along 14 other co-sponsors.

André Jacque has authored or co-authored another three bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.

Jacque graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 2003 with a BS.

Jacque, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2019 to represent the state's 1st Senate district, replacing previous state senator Caleb Frostman.

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.

Bill Number	Date Introduced	Short Description
SB7	01/24/2025	Prohibiting a foreign adversary from acquiring agricultural or forestry land in this state
SB6	01/24/2025	Impoundment of vehicles used in certain traffic offenses
SB2	01/24/2025	Expanding veterans benefits to individuals who served in Laos in support of the United States during the Vietnam War