Texas Enacts Law Banning Land Purchases by Foreign Adversaries, Focusing on China

As of September 1, Texas is set to implement a groundbreaking law that prohibits individuals and entities connected to adversarial nations—specifically China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea—from acquiring various types of land within the state. This significant move aims to bolster national security and safeguard Texas resources from foreign influence.

Key Provisions of Senate Bill 17

Senate Bill 17, signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 23, outlines several crucial restrictions designed to limit foreign ownership:

• Prohibited Purchases:

  • Agricultural Land
  • Residential Properties (excluding primary residences)
  • Mineral Rights
  • Water Rights

• Lease Limitations: Any leases granted to affected parties will be capped at less than one year.

• Agent Restrictions: Individuals representing designated foreign adversaries, such as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), are also barred from acting on behalf of these nations in land transactions.

  [link-whisper-related-posts]
• Governor’s Authority: The law empowers the Texas governor to modify the list of prohibited countries as new national security threats emerge.

Exceptions

While the law imposes stringent restrictions, it allows foreign nationals from the listed countries to purchase a home if they legally reside in the U.S. and it serves as their primary residence.

Legislative Journey

Originally introduced in November 2022 by Republican State Senator Lois Kolkhorst, SB 17 faced hurdles but was reintroduced in 2023 and subsequently passed both legislative chambers with overwhelming support—25-6 in the Senate and 85-57 in the House. Kolkhorst emphasized the bill’s strength, declaring it "the strongest national security bill that this nation has ever seen from any state."

In her statement, she highlighted:

"We are protecting our land and our minerals. All of these are our resources that should never fall into the hands of adversarial nations."

Texas Joins National Trend

Texas is joining a rising wave of states that are enacting laws aimed at limiting or banning foreign ownership of land. According to the official website of Congress, 22 states implemented similar measures between January 2023 and July 2024. These include:

• Florida: Enacted SB 264, restricting land ownership near military facilities and limiting purchases by certain foreign nationals.
• Georgia, North Dakota, Iowa, and Virginia: Each has unique regulatory frameworks, often focusing on preventing foreign ownership of sensitive land.

Common Goals

While restrictions vary significantly by state, the overarching aim remains the same: to protect domestic land and resources from foreign adversaries. Some states, like Texas and Florida, have opted for more stringent bans, whereas others have established disclosure requirements.

Why It Matters

The recent actions by Texas are part of a broader concern regarding foreign investments in critical resources and infrastructure. This legislation reflects a growing consensus among U.S. states to prioritize national security and maintain control over their land and resources.

As concerns about geopolitical tensions rise, such measures may become commonplace across the country, reinforcing the need for vigilance against foreign influence.

Conclusion

The implementation of SB 17 in Texas is a critical step in safeguarding the state’s land and resources from foreign adversaries. As part of a larger national trend, Texas aims to serve as a model for other states grappling with similar concerns. The long-term impacts of this legislation will undoubtedly shape discussions about national security and foreign investment in the years to come.

For more information on similar laws and their implications, visit Congress.gov or check out related updates on Texan regulations impacting land ownership.