Texas Senate Advances Property Ban for Hostile Nations

Texas Senate Bill 17 seeks to restrict land ownership in Texas by residents and organizations from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, citing national security concerns, especially near military bases. Authored by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, the bill has passed the Senate and is now under consideration by the House. It builds on previous laws such as the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act, which restricts foreign access to Texas' electricity grid. Proponents argue it is necessary to protect state resources, while critics, including some Asian community groups, label the bill as discriminatory. Existing federal laws already regulate foreign real estate purchases, and opponents fear potential unintended consequences on private property rights. Despite the controversy, the bill has garnered significant support within the Texas legislature, promising greater constitutional soundness than earlier iterations.