The Texas Senate on Tuesday sent forward a bill that limits the sale of farmland in the state.
If approved a second time by the upper chamber, Senate Bill 147 would go to the House for consideration.
The bill restricts purchases of land from companies or people from countries that pose “a risk to the national security of the United States.”
That most notably is aimed at Chinese ownership of Texas land, timberland, or oil rights.
“This ensures that we strengthen our food security, our energy security, and our national security,” the bill’s sponsor, Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) said during the debate, according to the Texas Tribune. “…You can come and buy your company. You can have your restaurant.”