Creating the West Virginia Land Sovereignty Act

SB 530, the West Virginia Land Sovereignty Act, blocks foreign governments and entities from designated high-risk countries (like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea) from purchasing or acquiring title to real property in West Virginia. It requires existing foreign owners to register their land with the Department of Agriculture within 60 days or sell it within 180 days. The law includes exceptions for U.S. citizens/residents, primary residences (homesteads), and short-term leaseholds (under five years). The West Virginia Attorney General enforces the law through investigations, court actions, and property divestment.