Texas moves close to ban on some land sales to foreigners

"Texas moves close to ban on some land sales to foreigners" was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

With just three days left before the deadline, the House has approved the negotiated version of a bill that aims to ban people tied to the governments of China, North Korea, Russia and Iran from purchasing land in the state. The bill awaits Senate approval before going to the governor.

Senate Bill 17 has moved forward in Texas despite a federal court ruling that a similar law in Florida was likely beyond the state’s authority. It’s the second attempt by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, who said in 2023 that the right time to address concerns over f