South Dakota Moves to Ban Real Estate Purchases by 6 Foreign Countries

State Senate committee advances bill to prohibit land sales to China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela

Feb. 6, 2026 at 1:15pm

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The South Dakota state Senate Commerce and Energy committee has advanced a bill that would ban six foreign countries - China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela - from purchasing real estate in the state. The bill passed unanimously out of committee and will now head to the full Senate for consideration.

Why it matters

This legislation follows a previous law passed two years ago that prohibited foreign purchases of agricultural land in South Dakota. Supporters argue the new bill is a necessary step to protect national security and prevent foreign adversaries from gaining a foothold in the state's real estate market.

The details

The bill, if passed, would prohibit the six named countries from purchasing any real estate in South Dakota. This includes residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Supporters of the legislation say it is a proactive measure to safeguard the state's land and assets from potential foreign influence or control.

  • The Senate Commerce and Energy committee advanced the bill on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • The previous law banning foreign agricultural land purchases in South Dakota was passed two years ago.

The players

South Dakota Senate Commerce and Energy Committee

The state Senate committee that unanimously advanced the bill to ban real estate purchases by six foreign countries.

Kristi Noem

The former governor of South Dakota who signed the previous law prohibiting foreign purchases of agricultural land in the state.

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What’s next

The bill will now proceed to a vote in the full South Dakota state Senate.

The takeaway

South Dakota's move to ban real estate purchases by foreign adversaries reflects a growing trend among U.S. states to limit foreign influence and control over domestic land and assets, especially in sensitive sectors like agriculture and real estate.