House passes bill to ban China citizens from buying Alabama land
The Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday to prohibit Chinese citizens, businesses, and governmental entities from buying property in Alabama.
The bill, called the Alabama Property Protection Act, passed by a vote of 73-23, with six abstentions. Most of the Republicans in the House supported the bill and most Democrats opposed it. It moves to the Senate.
Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, pointed out there is a Chinese-owned copper tubing plant in his district in Wilcox County, Golden Dragon Copper, which he said employs several hundred people. Jackson said it would be a mistake to pass a law to block their opportunities for expansion.
“I think we’re doing them a disservice when we try to penalize their movement or activities or purchase of land,” Jackson said.
Before approving the bill, the House adopted an amendment to allow Chinese businesses already here to expand onto contiguous property. The amendment also exempted citizens of Taiwan and entities and companies owned by Taiwan.
The bill, by Rep. Scott Stadthagen, R-Hartselle, moves to the Senate.