H-1703.1
HOUSE BILL 2028
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2025 Regular Session
By Representatives Walsh and Chase
Read first time 02/27/25. Referred to Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary.
AN ACT Relating to preserving Washington farmland by limiting purchases by certain entities; adding a new chapter to Title 64 RCW; prescribing penalties; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that agricultural land owned by Washington farmers and ranchers plays a key role in the availability of affordable food in Washington state. However, the legislature further finds that the acquisition of agricultural land by large investment and business entities, multinational nonprofit organizations, certain land trusts, and other corporate and nonprofit entities is driving local farmers and ranchers out of business while burdening Washington consumers with significant increases in food costs. Therefore, the legislature intends to prohibit large investment and business entities, multinational nonprofit organizations, certain land trusts, and other corporate and nonprofit entities from purchasing more of the state's existing agricultural land, so that our state's residents and families can afford food.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) A business entity may not purchase, acquire, or otherwise obtain an interest in land in Washington state zoned for agricultural use.