Preserving Washington farmland by limiting purchases by certain entities.

HB 2028 prohibits large business entities (including land trusts and private foundations) and investment entities (like real estate investment trusts) from purchasing or acquiring agricultural land in Washington state. The bill directly affects corporations, investment firms, and certain nonprofits that buy farmland, aiming to protect local farmers and stabilize food costs. Key provisions ban such purchases, impose fines up to $100,000 per violation, and require forced land sales to qualified buyers if violations occur. Exceptions apply for land classified as timberland under state law.