On Thursday, Assembly Republicans passed legislation that protects Wisconsin citizens, businesses, technology, infrastructure, universities, and students from being exploited by dangerous foreign adversaries.

Assembly Bill 30 prohibits foreign adversaries from purchasing land and property in Wisconsin. Currently, foreign persons may acquire up to 640 acres of agricultural or forestry land, but there is no distinction between friendly nations or adversarial governments. This legislation closes that loophole and extends the type of land to all types of property, not just farmland, ensuring that our land and resources cannot be acquired or exploited by our foreign enemies. States across the country have had adversarial countries purchase their valuable land - often times near military bases - but this legislation will prevent that from happening right here in Wisconsin.

Assembly Bill 662 prohibits the state of Wisconsin and state agencies from contracting with any business that is headquartered in a country that is listed as a foreign adversary. The goal is to avoid the exploitation of American businesses through our supply chains and technology systems. Once they gain access to these systems, they can access sensitive information which may then be used to harm not only our businesses, but our small towns and communities as well. This legislation safeguards American businesses, protects our information, and ensures taxpayer dollars don’t support our foreign enemies.

Assembly Bill 663 prohibits University of Wisconsin (UW) System institutions from participating in collaboration agreements or academic/research partnerships with a college or university from a country listed as a foreign adversary of the United States. Our universities have been targeted by foreign adversaries attempting to steal valuable research that is being done – and funded – by American taxpayers. This legislation ensures this valuable research does not fall into the hands of our foreign enemies’ militaries which would then be used to harm U.S. citizens and active military abroad.

Wisconsin is not immune to these attacks, and it’s vital we act now before it’s too late. This legislation gives us the tools and ability to stand up to our foreign adversaries and ensure Wisconsin cannot be undermined or exploited by these foreign entities that have harmful intentions.