Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan (R,C-Manchester) and Sen. Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) are introducing legislation that would prohibit the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and any affiliated entities from acquiring or leasing property anywhere in New York state.

The bill is aimed at protecting New York’s food supply, farmland, businesses, housing market and military infrastructure from foreign influence, spying and control by adversarial regimes.

“This legislation is about putting the security and sovereignty of New York citizens ahead of the interests of the Chinese Communist Party,” said Assemblyman Gallahan. “Foreign entities affiliated with hostile governments have no business owning land in New York state, especially near our military bases, supply chains or in our rural communities. It’s a matter of common sense and national security.”

In recent years, there has been growing concern across the U.S. over land acquisitions by foreign governments, particularly China, near critical infrastructure and agricultural hubs. These purchases have raised red flags related to espionage, surveillance and interference in domestic markets.

New York is home to multiple strategic military installations; Fort Drum, Fort Hamilton, West Point, Watervliet Arsenal, Camp Smith, Stewart Air National Guard Base, Stratton Air National Guard Base, Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, and the Naval Support Activity Saratoga Springs. This legislation would ensure that no property near these or any other areas within the state can fall under the control of a hostile foreign government.

“We cannot allow adversarial regimes to gain a foothold in our communities by purchasing property in New York,” said Gallahan. “This bill closes a dangerous loophole and aligns New York with bipartisan efforts taking place in state legislatures across the country.”

Sen. Tom O'Mara said, “It's a smart and commonsense move for New York state to proactively guard against the Chinese government or any interests owned by the Chinese Communist Party from buying up land in rural regions, near military installations that are vital to national security or near any other vital infrastructure for unknown purposes that could jeopardize national security and economic markets. These land acquisitions have raised growing concerns and suspicions across the country. Other states have been considering preventative actions and New York state should act too.”

The legislation grants enforcement authority to the New York state attorney general, including the power to seek injunctive or declaratory relief in the Supreme Court of the State of New York.

If enacted, the law would take effect 30 days after it becomes law.