Governor Greg Abbott has signed three bills aimed at protecting Texas from threats posed by foreign adversaries. The new laws target entities such as Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea, as well as transnational criminal organizations.
“It is very simple. Hostile foreign adversaries like China, Russian, Iran, and North Korea, as well as foreign terrorist organizations like Tren de Aragua, must not be allowed to own land in Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “They should not be allowed access to our critical infrastructure, and they may not be allowed to exploit our border. Stiff, criminal penalties will be inflicted on those who violate these laws.”
The signing ceremony included the presence of Senator Bryan Hughes, Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Representative Cole Hefner, Representative Janie Lopez, Representative Angelia Orr and other members of the Texas Legislature.
House Bill 128 bans sister-city agreements between Texas governmental bodies and countries identified as foreign adversaries. It also encourages agreements with nations considered allies of the United States.
Senate Bill 17 prohibits certain countries and individuals associated with designated transnational criminal groups from buying real estate in Texas.
Senate Bill 1349 establishes a new criminal offense related to transnational repression and requires law enforcement officers in Texas to undergo specialized training on this issue.
