Capitol News

State Representative Luke Meerman from Coopersville has put forward a bill aiming to restrict foreign entities of concern from purchasing agricultural land or property within 20 miles of critical infrastructure in Michigan. House Bill 4234 targets governments, political parties, businesses, and individuals primarily based in certain countries identified as concerns: China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria.

Meerman highlighted the issue by stating: "One of China’s most frequently used methods to increase their influence on our country is buying up farmland and placing spies near our military installations." He cited an incident where five Chinese nationals were charged with illegally observing Camp Grayling during a training exercise involving Taiwanese troops. "The state of Michigan can and should take measures to prevent this kind of conduct, and my legislation is an effective step towards doing that," Meerman added.

The bill is part of a broader legislative package that mirrors proposals introduced last term. Meerman and State Representative Will Bruck have been prominent advocates for addressing subnational foreign influence. Both hold leadership roles in the House Oversight Subcommittee on Homeland Security and Foreign Influence this term. The legislative package includes additional measures such as prohibiting certain foreign applications on government-issued devices and restricting contracts with foreign countries of concern.

Meerman emphasized the need for state-level responses to these threats: “The Chinese Communist Party itself has admitted that their increased effort to spread their influence is occurring mostly at a subnational level, focusing on state and local institutions.” He expressed his commitment to advancing policy solutions through the House to address these issues effectively.