Georgia takes major action to curb CCP influence

In recent weeks, we’ve highlighted states that have taken concrete steps to protect their citizens from Communist China’s influence campaign. One state that has been at the forefront of this effort and doing the hard work of passing legislative protections is Georgia. Over the past two years, Georgia’s lawmakers and Governor Brian Kemp have taken significant steps to block the Chinese Communist Party’s attempts to make inroads in U.S. states, and their action has helped fortify the state against future threats.  

Military Installation and Farmland Protection 

In April, Governor Brian Kemp signed into law SB 420, which places restrictions on foreign agents of countries including China, Iran, and North Korea from owning either farmland or commercial land within 10 miles of a military installation. Those who violate the law, face a felony charge, a fine of up to $15,000, and a sentence of up to two years in prison. In signing the bill, Governor Kemp argued that “[w]e cannot allow foreign adversaries to control something as critical to our survival as our food supply.” To date, Georgia is one of 19 states across the country with specific protections for farmland against foreign ownership. 

Increased Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking 

Georgia policymakers have also increased penalties for fentanyl trafficking with SB 465. Known as “Austin’s Law,” the law creates a new offense of aggravated involuntary manslaughter that is “considered a separate offense and shall not merge with any other offense.” The law targets drug dealers that distribute fentanyl by bringing a felony charge against the dealer in the case of a fentanyl overdose, with a penalty of “not less than 10 years nor more than 30 years or life imprisonment.” China has been the primary source of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, all of which has fueled a public health crisis in the United States.  

Blocking Chinese Government-Owned Companies from State Contracts 

In May of 2022, Governor Kemp signed into law SB 346. The bill prohibited Chinese government-owned companies from bidding on any contracts with the state of Georgia. Any companies submitting bids on state contracts must submit documentation that they are not owned or operated by the CCP, with a fine of up to $250,000 for falsification of the document. The bill’s lead sponsor explained that “Americans in the Peach State are impacted by the concern of the technology theft that goes on from the Chinese government every day.” In barring CCP-owned companies from doing business with the state of Georgia, the law prevents a vector of foreign adversarial access to sensitive systems, information, and technology that necessarily comes with working on state contracts. 

Increased Immigration Enforcement 

Shortly after the enactment of the state’s farmland protection measures, Georgia heightened its immigration enforcement in the form of HB 1105. The law allows police officers to arrest anyone suspected of being in the country illegally and requires that law enforcement verify the immigration status of detainees. Additionally, it requires law enforcement agencies notify federal authorities when a person without legal status is detained. As the Protecting America Initiative has noted, illegal immigration often enables other more serious offenses, including human trafficking and an illicit drug trade that directly threatens lives, and the number of Chinese nationals illegally crossing the border has increased 8,000 percent in a span of three years.    

Georgia Can Offer Other States Ideas on How to Protect Their Residents 

Policymakers in Georgia recognize the threat posed by the Chinese government and malicious actors working on its behalf and have responded by assessing and addressing the state’s most pressing vulnerabilities. That recognition of the problem and thoughtfulness in formulating solutions should inspire states across the country to follow suit. As state legislatures continue to grapple with what they can do to protect their residents, the Protecting America Initiative will remain a collaborative resource to offer ideas and solutions.