Louisiana limits certain foreign actors' land interests near military sites

Certain foreign adversaries and connected people or organizations may not hold or acquire interests in nearby land. The rule covers land within 25 miles of listed military installations and foreign adversaries or specified people and organizations connected to them. Exceptions cover U.S. citizens, certain people lawfully present in the United States, organizations wholly owned by those people, and one-to-four family homes used as residences and acquired by an individual. A prohibited foreign actor may sell or convey an ownership interest in the land. The rules generally apply to property acquired on or after August 1, 2026.

The attorney general may investigate suspected violations and seek court orders to enforce the land restrictions. The attorney general may act against a foreign adversary or prohibited foreign actor over a suspected or confirmed violation involving Louisiana property. A prohibited foreign actor faces a $50,000 civil penalty and forfeiture if it does not divest land acquired in violation of the rules within one year after a judgment. An interest holder who disputes the attorney general’s finding may request a court decision within 60 days after service of the divestment order. The court must hold a hearing before taking further action in that case. A court may order a sale after finding a violation. A party to a purchase or lease contract may cancel before the transfer if it determines that the deal violates the rules. The attorney general may order divestment within 90 days after serving an order. The holder has 60 days after service to request a court decision.

The law protects certain property rights and people who did not knowingly take part in a prohibited transaction. Protections cover people with property rights who did not knowingly transact with a foreign adversary or prohibited foreign actor, as well as specified people involved in property transactions. People involved in property transactions are not required to investigate whether another party is a foreign adversary or prohibited foreign actor, and are not liable for failing to identify one. Property may be forfeited only while the foreign adversary or prohibited actor owns it. Rights in property are not void or voidable solely because that actor previously held it. The property rules generally apply to acquisitions on or after August 1, 2026.