Amid mounting national security concerns, Texas last week enacted some of the country’s strictest laws targeting foreign land ownership. It joins Iowa, Indiana, Idaho, Utah, and South Dakota, which have all recently tightened restrictions on purchases by foreign adversaries.
The laws add to Texas’ broader campaign to limit foreign influence, building on a national trend of restricting land purchases by adversarial nations.
“It is very simple. Hostile foreign adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, as well as foreign terrorist organizations like Tren de Aragua, must not be allowed to own land in Texas,” Abbott said during the Austin ceremony. “They should not be allowed access to our critical infrastructure, and they may not be allowed to exploit our border.”
Abbott warned violators would face consequences. “Stiff, criminal penalties will be inflicted on those who violate these laws,” he said.
House Bill 128 prohibits Texas cities from entering sister-city agreements with adversarial nations and encourages partnerships with U.S. allies.
Senate Bill 17 bars certain countries, individuals, and organizations from acquiring Texas real estate. The restriction includes designated transnational criminal organizations.
Senate Bill 1349 creates criminal penalties for transnational repression and requires new law enforcement training on the issue.
Lawmakers joined Abbott at the event, including Sens. Bryan Hughes and Lois Kolkhorst, and Reps. Cole Hefner, Janie Lopez, and Angelia Orr. Other Senate and House members also attended the signing.
The measures rank among the toughest of their kind nationwide and are expected to take effect later this year.