HJ0002 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would change Wyoming’s property-rights rules to bar foreign adversaries and certain specified foreign entities from owning property in the state. The resolution is framed as an amendment to Article 1, Section 29 of the Wyoming Constitution, which currently states that no distinction shall be made by law between resident aliens and citizens regarding possession, taxation, enjoyment, and descent of property.
If approved by the voters, the amendment would create an exception for foreign adversaries of the United States that are determined to pose a threat to national security or to the safety and security of persons in the United States. The Secretary of State’s ballot statement explains that such entities would not be entitled to possess, enjoy, or inherit real property in Wyoming, including interests in surface, subsurface, airspace, and mineral rights. Because it is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment, it would not change state law immediately; it would be submitted to the electorate for ratification at the next general election.
Impact
The resolution would amend the Wyoming Constitution rather than ordinary statute, creating a new constitutional restriction on real property ownership by foreign adversaries and specified foreign entities. It would affect property rights across multiple categories of real estate interests, including surface estate, mineral estate, subsurface rights, and airspace rights, and would likely require implementing legislation or administrative procedures to define covered entities and enforce the prohibition if ratified.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have had generally favorable support in the House and early Senate Agriculture committee action, passing committee and the House floor by wide margins. However, the later Committee of the Whole vote in the Senate failed, indicating that support was not uniform and that the proposal became more controversial as it advanced. Overall, the discussion history suggests initial bipartisan or broad support for the concept, followed by significant resistance in the Senate chamber.
Contention
The main point of contention is the scope and constitutional effect of restricting property ownership based on foreign adversary status, especially because Wyoming’s constitution currently protects equal treatment of resident aliens and citizens in property matters. Supporters appear to view the measure as a national-security safeguard, while opponents likely raised concerns about discrimination, constitutional consistency, and the breadth of the restriction on real property interests. The failed Senate Committee of the Whole vote suggests disagreement over whether the amendment was necessary or appropriately tailored.