Colonel Mitchell — Was thanked for his service and questioned about the bill's changes.
Colonel Mitchell — Explained that the lower threshold is intended to stop attempts to acquire land around Luke Air Force Base by going just under the prior threshold.
Colonel Mitchell — Continued explaining that the 5% threshold is intended to make such acquisitions economically infeasible.
Colonel Mitchell — Said he could not answer the technical transaction-impact question and reiterated his support for the bill.
Colonel Mitchell — Said the relevant definitions would come from Treasury and Homeland Security and that he could not answer in detail.
Colonel Mitchell — Responded that, to his knowledge, adversary nations do not permit the conduct being prohibited, but said it was outside his expertise.
Colonel Mitchell — Said he had never heard of a U.S. company being able to purchase land near an adversarial military installation and then thanked the committee.
Travis Schulte — Travis Schulte is introduced as being present from DEMA and available for questions. He then identifies himself as the legislative liaison for the Department of Emergency Affairs, notes that he has no prepared testimony, and says he is there to answer questions. In response to a committee question, he explains that the relevant definition is incorporated by reference to the federal statute. The committee then asks if there are any further questions and thanks him.
Travis — Invited to come to the microphone and provide testimony.
SB1683 — Senate Bill 1683 was introduced as an emergency measure and explained as expanding Arizona’s restrictions on foreign adversary nations or agents acquiring interests in real property. The bill would prohibit not only purchasing, owning, or otherwise obtaining a substantial interest in Arizona real property, but also leasing and related arrangements. It further bars foreign adversaries from installing, maintaining, accessing data from, or operating equipment on Arizona real property, and makes violations a Class 5 felony. The measure also requires public service corporations, telecommunications providers, critical infrastructure owners, and government agencies to notify the Attorney General and the Arizona Corporation Commission if they enter into or suspect a lease, license, or similar agreement that may allow a foreign adversary access. Enforcement authority is given to the Attorney General, and questions were invited at the end.
Retired Lieutenant Colonel James Rusty Mitchell — Retired Lieutenant Colonel James Rusty Mitchell introduced himself as a 22-year Air Force veteran with extensive experience flying out of Arizona, including Tucson and Luke Air Force Base. He said he had testified on the bill the previous year and supported the current amendment because it would tighten the measure further. He praised Arizona for leading the way in protecting military training capability, drawing on his own fighter pilot and compatible land-use experience at Luke Air Force Base, and emphasized the economic importance of Luke and the military statewide, citing billions in contributions. He also noted that he spent 20 years working on compatible land uses at Luke before retiring in 2020 and is now speaking out more strongly in retirement.
SB1683 — The committee considers SB 1683, with the vice chair moving a do pass recommendation. Members then discuss the bill, noting national security concerns and objecting that it broadens the law by lowering the substantial-interest threshold from 30% to 5%. Despite those concerns, the committee ultimately reports SB 1683 out with a do pass recommendation.