Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) vetoed legislation last week that would have drastically limited the amount of Arizona property the Chinese government and state-owned organizations can buy, as 12 News reported.

“This act’s protection of this state’s military, commercial and agricultural assets from foreign espionage and sabotage will place this state in a significantly stronger position to withstand national security threats,” a legislative document accompanying the bill said.

Hobbs said, however, that the measure “does not directly protect our military assets” and said it would open the door to “arbitrary enforcement.”

Defense Communities’ Role

Several states have enacted or are considering similar legislation to ensure foreign or unknown entities from purchasing large tracts of land near sensitive military sites.

ADC was among the first organizations to hold in-depth dialogue on the potential threats, including at ADC Connect in June 2023. A goal of the day-long discussion was “to begin to define the role defense communities must have in addressing this issue,” according to an event summary that outlines actions that can be taken.

The topic will also be featured at ADC’s Installation Innovation Forum Oct. 27-29 in Monterey, California.

Army Corps of Engineers photo by Robert DeDeaux