Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan and Senator Tom O’Mara have introduced a bill to prohibit the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and affiliated entities from acquiring or leasing property in New York state.
The proposed legislation is intended to protect New York’s food supply, farmland, businesses, housing market, and military infrastructure from foreign influence and control. The lawmakers say the measure responds to concerns about espionage and interference by adversarial regimes.
“This legislation is about putting the security and sovereignty of New York citizens ahead of the interests of the Chinese Communist Party,” said Assemblyman Gallahan. “Foreign entities affiliated with hostile governments have no business owning land in New York state, especially near our military bases, supply chains or in our rural communities. It’s a matter of common sense and national security.”
Across the United States, there has been increased scrutiny over land purchases by foreign governments—particularly China—near critical infrastructure and agricultural areas. These acquisitions have led to fears about surveillance activities and disruptions in domestic markets.
New York hosts several key military installations including Fort Drum, Fort Hamilton, West Point, Watervliet Arsenal, Camp Smith, Stewart Air National Guard Base, Stratton Air National Guard Base, Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, and Naval Support Activity Saratoga Springs. The bill seeks to prevent any property near these sites or elsewhere in the state from coming under control of hostile foreign powers.
“We cannot allow adversarial regimes to gain a foothold in our communities by purchasing property in New York,” said Gallahan. “This bill closes a dangerous loophole and aligns New York with bipartisan efforts taking place in state legislatures across the country.”
Senator O’Mara added: “It’s a smart and commonsense move for New York state to proactively guard against the Chinese government or any interests owned by the Chinese Communist Party from buying up land in rural regions, near military installations that are vital to national security or near any other vital infrastructure for unknown purposes that could jeopardize national security and economic markets. These land acquisitions have raised growing concerns and suspicions across the country. Other states have been considering preventative actions and New York state should act too.”
Under this proposal, enforcement authority would be granted to the New York state attorney general who could seek injunctive or declaratory relief through the Supreme Court of New York State.
If passed into law, it would take effect 30 days after enactment.
