Overview

• The Texas House gave preliminary approval to Senate Bill 17, which restricts land purchases by residents and entities from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, with the governor gaining authority to expand the list.
• House amendments exempt lawful permanent residents and limit lease exemptions to agreements of one year or less, addressing some civil rights concerns.
• Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups warn that the bill could lead to racial profiling, particularly against Asian Americans, and harm Texas's economy by deterring foreign investment.
• The legislation, if passed and signed into law, would take effect on September 1, 2025, and apply only to property transactions occurring after that date.
• The Senate, which passed an earlier version in March, must now reconcile differences with the House amendments before the bill can proceed to Governor Greg Abbott, who has expressed support for the measure.