Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is facing heat after vetoing a bill meant to block Chinese land purchases near sensitive U.S. assets. The legislation, S.B. 1109, aimed to prevent China from owning land near military bases and critical infrastructure. Hobbs, a Democrat up for reelection next year, shut it down on Tuesday.
The backlash came fast. “Utterly insane,” said Arizona Senate Majority Leader Janae Shamp. She called it a “politically motivated veto” and accused Hobbs of being an “obstructionist against safeguarding our citizens from threats.”
Hobbs defended her decision, saying the bill wouldn’t actually stop espionage. “Ineffective at counter-espionage,” she said. Hobbs also claimed the measure lacked clear rules and could lead to “arbitrary enforcement.”
National security hawks are alarmed by growing Chinese investment in U.S. land—especially near military bases. Shamp cited a recent case involving Chinese efforts to lease buildings next to Luke Air Force Base, where fighter pilots train. Conservative groups say this is more than a policy debate—it’s a national security issue.
Michael Lucci, CEO of State Armor Action, didn’t hold back. “This veto hangs an ‘Open for the CCP’ sign on Arizona’s front door,” he said. He listed Luke AFB, Palo Verde nuclear plant, and Taiwan Semiconductor’s site as at-risk targets.
“Proximity produces peril in asymmetric warfare,” Lucci warned. He pointed to Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russian military assets as proof. He argued Hobbs’s rationale ignores today’s threats.
The bill would’ve barred Chinese government-linked entities from owning 30% or more of Arizona land. Lawmakers had amended it to address discrimination concerns, narrowing its scope. It passed with bipartisan support.
Despite Hobbs’s claims, the AZ Mirror reported that the final version focused only on entities tied to the Chinese government. Critics say her reasoning doesn’t match the facts. The Arizona legislature still has the option to override the veto.
Arizona isn’t alone. States across the country are drafting laws to limit foreign land ownership. Congress is also moving forward with its own set of proposals.
As of mid-March, 27 states are reviewing 84 bills on foreign land ownership. So far, 22 states have passed restrictions—17 of those just this year. The push to secure U.S. land is gaining steam.