PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The South Dakota Senate debated a bill Tuesday that would set up a “Committee on Foreign Investment in the US – South Dakota” that would put restrictions on the sale of ag land to foreigners.

Sponsor, Senator Erin Tobin of Winner said current state law is weak.

Tobin says sales of ag land to Chinese investors is a threat to state and national security.

Senator Jim Bolin of Canton said the threat to state ag land ownership is not coming from overseas.

The bill was defeated on a vote of eleven to twenty-three.

Tobin made a motion to reconsider so the bill will be back for another vote.