A Texas bill to ban citizens and foreign entities tied to China, Iran, North Korea and Russia from buying Texas land highlights a potential national security vulnerability.
Texas State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham has filed bill Senate Bill 147 . The bill would prohibit the purchase or acquisition of property by a “governmental entity” or a company headquartered in or “directly or indirectly controlled” by a government of China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia.
The measure, which Gov. Greg Abbott has signaled he would sign into law if it reaches his desk, also would prohibit citizens of those nations from owning land in Texas.
Senator Lois Kolkhorst contends that the acquisition of Texas land by the Chinese government is a national security issue.
“The growing ownership of Texas land by some foreign entities is highly disturbing and raises red flags for many Texans,” said Senator Kolkhorst, author of the controversial Senate Bill 147. “By comparison, as an American go try to buy land near a Chinese military base and see how it works out for you. It would never happen there and it shouldn’t happen here. Passing this law delivers some basic safeguards to ensure Texans remain in control of Texas land.”
