Family Farm Protection & Land Freedom Act — Plain‑language explainer
Summary: This bill keeps Indiana farmland in Indiana hands, gives local family farmers the first chance to buy land, and exposes hidden ownership so outsiders can’t quietly take control of our food and land.
What the bill does
- Blocks foreign land grabs: Stops foreign governments, companies, and shell entities from buying or leasing Indiana farmland.
- First shot for local farmers: Requires sellers to offer nearby family farmers a right of first refusal at fair market value before selling to outside corporations or funds.
- Public ownership registry: Publishes a transparent, searchable list of agricultural land ownership (over 25 acres) with real beneficial owners disclosed.
- Real penalties: Hits concealment and shell games with meaningful fines and land forfeiture for violations.
- Protects inheritance: Keeps family transfer rights intact for U.S. citizen and lawful resident heirs.
Why it matters
- Food security: Keeps control of our food supply close to home.
- Rural sovereignty: Ensures Hoosier families—not distant investors—decide the future of our land.
- Level playing field: Gives family farms a fair shot when land comes up for sale.
- Radical transparency: Uses a public dashboard so every Hoosier can see who owns what—no hiding, no excuses.
How it’s different
- Not symbolic: This is enforceable law with teeth—registries, penalties, and forfeiture.
- Not partisan: It’s Hoosiers vs. outsiders, not left vs. right.
- System-first: Aligns with constituent accountability and public receipts across every provision.
Stump line: “Our land should feed our families, not foreign investors. That’s why I wrote the Family Farm Protection & Land Freedom Act.”