SB 1082: constables; report; board of supervisors - Arizona

HOUSE - Amended by APPROP - passed as amended → Chaptered Version · 7 edits

MODERATE

This bill was amended to strengthen restrictions on foreign land ownership in Arizona by replacing 'foreign principal' with 'foreign adversary nation or agent,' adding new enforcement reporting requirements to federal and state committees, and adjusting the divestment timeline from one year to 120 days. The changes expand the scope to include state-owned enterprises and controlled entities, while clarifying that enforcement cannot be based on race or national origin.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include state-owned enterprises and entities controlled by foreign adversary nations, and the definition of 'foreign adversary nation' now includes countries identified by the Department of Commerce in addition to intelligence community threat assessments.

DEFINITION

Replaced 'foreign principal' with 'foreign adversary nation or agent' to align with current national security terminology and expand coverage to include state-owned enterprises and controlled entities.

Added new definition for 'substantial interest' as 30 percent or more, replacing the previous undefined standard.

ENFORCEMENT

Added requirement for attorney general to report matters to the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States (50 U.S.C. 4565) in addition to FBI and other law enforcement agencies.

Added explicit prohibition against basing enforcement on a person's race or national origin.

TIMELINE

Changed the divestment timeline for foreign adversary agents from one year to 120 days after acquiring property through devise, descent, security interests, or debt collection.

REQUIREMENT

Added new subsection G making it a class 1 misdemeanor to knowingly make false reports to law enforcement about alleged violations of the land ownership restrictions.

ELIGIBILITY

Removed specific distance-based exemptions (50 miles from military installations, 25 miles from air force ranges) that previously allowed certain foreign principals to own residential property.

Senate Engrossed Version → HOUSE - Amended by APPROP - passed as amended · 7 edits

MODERATE

The bill was completely rewritten to replace a provision about constables with new legislation prohibiting foreign principals from designated countries from owning real property in Arizona, with specific enforcement mechanisms and limited exceptions for small residential properties.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed from regulating constables' duties to establishing restrictions on foreign ownership of real estate based on national security concerns.

SCOPE

All text related to constables, their powers, duties, training, and appointment of deputies was removed.

New section 33-443 was added to prohibit foreign principals from designated countries from purchasing, owning, or acquiring substantial interests in Arizona real property.

ENFORCEMENT

The Attorney General was given authority to enforce the prohibition and report suspected violations to the FBI and other law enforcement agencies.

REQUIREMENT

Courts must order divestment of property interests obtained in violation of the law, with proceeds distributed to lienholders, government agencies for expenses, and property owners.

Foreign principals must possess a verified US visa or asylum documentation to qualify for exceptions, and must divest property within one year if acquired through inheritance or debt collection.

EXCEPTIONS

Exceptions allow foreign principals to own up to two acres of residential property if located 50+ miles from military installations and 25+ miles from large air force ranges.

DEFINITION

New definitions were added for 'critical infrastructure,' 'designated country,' and 'foreign principal' based on national security threat assessments.

House Engrossed Version → Senate Engrossed Version · 6 edits · Jun 27, 2025

MODERATE

The bill was completely rewritten to shift from a foreign land ownership prohibition to a constables powers and duties statute. The original version prohibited foreign adversary nations from owning real property, while the new version defines constable responsibilities, deputy appointments, and restrictions on private process serving.

Scope change

Changed from a new section in Title 33 (Real Property) to an amendment of Section 22-131 in Title 22 (Constables)

SCOPE

Removed prohibition against foreign adversary nations or agents purchasing or owning real property in Arizona

ENFORCEMENT

Removed Attorney General enforcement provisions for foreign land ownership violations including FBI reporting requirements

DEFINITION

Removed definitions for foreign adversary nation, foreign adversary agent, and substantial interest in real property

REQUIREMENT

Added requirement that constables attend training prescribed in section 22-137

Added prohibition against constables engaging in private process serving outside official duties and owning interests in process serving businesses

ELIGIBILITY

Changed constable authority from a new standalone section to being governed by sheriff provisions where applicable

Introduced Version → House Engrossed Version · 7 edits · Jun 27, 2025

MODERATE

The bill was completely rewritten from a minor amendment about constables' duties to a major new law prohibiting foreign adversary nations and agents from owning substantial real property in Arizona. The original bill focused on constable training and appointment procedures, while the new version establishes strict land ownership restrictions with federal security implications.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed from local law enforcement administration to national security and foreign investment regulation, expanding from county-level constable duties to state-wide real property acquisition restrictions.

SCOPE

Removed all provisions related to constables' duties, training requirements, deputy appointments, and cross-county process serving authority.

Added new section 33-443 prohibiting foreign adversary nations and agents from purchasing or owning substantial real property interests (30% or more) in Arizona.

ENFORCEMENT

Established attorney general enforcement authority with mandatory reporting to FBI and federal foreign investment committee for suspected violations.

DEFINITION

Defined 'foreign adversary nation' as countries identified by U.S. intelligence as security risks and 'foreign adversary agent' including state-owned enterprises and controlled entities.

REQUIREMENT

Created divestment procedures requiring sale of prohibited property with proceeds distributed to lienholders, government expenses, and remaining owner.

EXEMPTIONS

Allowed property acquisition through inheritance, security interests, or debt collection if divested within 120 days.

TIMELINE

Added retroactive applicability clause stating the act does not apply to acquisitions before the effective date.

constables; report; board of supervisors

What changed between versions

How they voted

Actions timeline

Sponsors