Calvin Callahan, Wisconsin State Representative of 35th District | Facebook
Calvin Callahan, Wisconsin State Representative of 35th District | Facebook
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "limitations on ownership of real property in this state by foreign persons. (FE)".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill amends Wisconsin's regulations regarding foreign ownership of real property, focusing on agricultural land and property near military installations. It reduces the acreage of agricultural land that covered foreign persons may own from 640 to 50 acres, eliminating exceptions for non-agricultural uses and defining covered foreign persons to include foreign governments. The bill expands foreign-owned entity definitions by increasing the ownership percentage related to foreign interests from 20% to 25%. Furthermore, it prohibits foreign ownership of real property within 10 miles of a military installation, mandating divestiture within 18 months for any interests acquired contrary to these stipulations. Additionally, it bans foreign adversaries, defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce, from owning any real estate in the state, with non-compliant interests forfeited to the state and enforced by the attorney general. These regulations become effective the first day of the first month following the bill's enactment.
The bill was co-authored by Senator Rob Stafsholt (Republican-10th District), Representative Scott Allen (Republican-82nd District), Representative David Armstrong (Republican-67th District), Representative Lindee Rae Brill (Republican-27th District), and Representative Barbara Dittrich (Republican-99th District). It was co-sponsored by Senator Julian Bradley (Republican-28th District), Senator Steve L. Nass (Republican-11th District), and Senator Brad Pfaff (Democrat-32nd District), along with 14 other co-sponsors.
Calvin T. Callahan has co-authored or authored another 37 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Callahan, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2021 to represent the state's 35th Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Mary Felzkowski.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| AB218 | 04/23/2025 | Limitations on ownership of real property in this state by foreign persons. (FE) |
| AB192 | 04/15/2025 | Fatality review teams and granting rule-making authority. (FE) |
| AB154 | 04/02/2025 | Use of certified seed potatoes in planting potatoes and providing a penalty. (FE) |
| AB107 | 03/11/2025 | Conversion of cooperative associations organized to establish and operate nonprofit plans or programs for health care into service insurance corporations |
| AB45 | 02/17/2025 | Ratification of the Dietitian Licensure Compact. (FE) |
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