Michigan GOP proposes restrictions on foreign land ownership, use of Chinese communications tech

From prohibiting local governments from using Chinese communications technology to banning foreign businesses from purchasing farmland, House Republicans on Thursday unveiled a bill package that they say will curb “hostile foreign influence” in Michigan.

The 10-bill package introduced Thursday, March 13, would enact a range of significant changes to how the state and local governments, public schools and universities conduct business with China and other countries deemed adversarial.

“We as Michigan are taking a lead nationally on this issue of foreign influence from entities of foreign concern that are ravaging our nation and being included in areas that they should not be,” said state Rep. William Bruck, R-Erie.

The bill defines “countries of concern” as China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela and Syria. Here’s some of what the bills would do:

Prohibit any foreign business or government from purchasing agricultural land
Prohibit any government, person or business in a country of concern from owning real estate or farmland within 20 miles of a military installation or key facility, which is critical infrastructure like water treatment plants, power plants, chemical manufacturing plants and more
Determine what applications might compromise security and block them from government-issued electronic devices for state and local governments and public schools
Forbid state and local government from contracting with businesses in or governments of countries of concern
Ban the state and local governments from using information technology or communications technology and services that are developed, manufactured, designed or supplied by businesses in countries of concern
Prohibit public schools and universities from accepting grants or entering into agreements with countries of concern that involve promoting an agenda detrimental to U.S. safety or allowing the curriculum to be controlled or directed by that country
Prohibit local governments from accepting grants or entering into agreements with countries of concern that allow those countries to control the values of a program or promote an agenda detrimental to U.S. safety
Prohibit public schools, universities and local governments from accepting gifts, donations or grants that are conditioned on promoting the language or culture of a foreign country of concern
Require local governments and universities to disclose to the state gifts or grants that are from a foreign source
Forbid the state government from issuing economic incentives through the Michigan Strategic Fund to businesses partially or fully controlled by countries of concern or created in those countries
Require physical and virtual medical records to be maintained in either the U.S. or Canada

The bill package stems from the Homeland Security and Foreign Influence Committee, created earlier this year by the new House Republican majority to address concerns about foreign influence, especially Chinese influence, in Michigan.

“This is a real issue in Michigan,” state Rep. Bill G. Schuette, R-Midland, said of foreign attempts to undermine the U.S. “This is a significant national security concern, and we’re acting as a caucus, we’re acting as members of the legislature to try to secure Michiganders.”

During Thursday’s press conference unveiling the bill package, House Republicans referenced economic incentives provided by the state to Gotion Inc. The company, which has ties to the Chinese government, was awarded those incentives for work on a proposed battery plant in Michigan.

“Our national security is at stake when hostile powers operate within our state borders,” said state Rep. Mike Hoadley, R-Au Gres. “These threats are exponentially greater when they receive financial support and public funding. There is no scenario where our enemies should ever receive taxpayer funding and I will always fight to keep our communities and residents safe.”

Republicans also referenced an incident in 2023 where five Chinese nationals who studied at University of Michigan allegedly conducted surveillance at the Camp Grayling military facility in northern Michigan. The federal government has filed charges against all five individuals.

“We’ve seen a number of threats the past several years that certainly need to be addressed,” said state Rep. David Martin, R-Davison. “We need to take steps as lawmakers that protect our residents, as well as the men and women who wear the uniform. I hope all my fellow legislators will join me in safeguarding public safety and upholding our oaths.”