Attorney General Ken Paxton has proposed formal rules to carry out a new state law that bars certain foreign adversaries, including China, from purchasing or acquiring real estate in Texas.
The rules would implement Senate Bill 17, passed by the Legislature last year and effective since September 1, 2025.
The statute prohibits individuals and entities tied to designated adversarial nations — China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea — from owning land, citing national security concerns and the need to safeguard Texas property and critical infrastructure.
Paxton’s office submitted the proposed regulations to the Secretary of State on March 16. They were published on March 27 in the Texas Register, kicking off a public comment period before final adoption.
The rules spell out key definitions, the attorney general’s authority, investigative procedures, including civil investigative demands, reporting requirements, and confidentiality protections. They also include standard savings and severability clauses.
Under the proposal, professionals involved in real estate deals — such as mortgage lenders, title insurance companies, property insurers, appraisers, and licensed real estate agents — would be required to report suspected violations to the attorney general’s office. Complaints could be filed electronically through the office’s online form or by mail to a designated address.
All complaints, investigative demands, and related materials submitted to or issued by the office would remain confidential and exempt from public disclosure unless required by law.
Paxton said the rules would strengthen enforcement of the land-ownership ban.
“My office will use every tool available to prevent our nation’s enemies from gaining a foothold on Texas soil,” Paxton said. “These proposed rules will strengthen the reporting of suspicious activity and better protect our state from hostile foreign actors.”
