Bill > HB1743

This bill, known as the Protect Texas Land Act, introduces significant restrictions on foreign ownership of real property in Texas, particularly agricultural land. The legislation requires individuals and organizations who are not U.S. citizens or are foreign-based to report their real property holdings to the Texas Attorney General within 90 days of acquisition or sale, with specific reporting requirements for existing agricultural land holdings by April 1, 2026. The bill prohibits individuals from certain countries under arms embargo and foreign governmental entities from acquiring agricultural land in Texas, with existing holdings allowed until September 1, 2027. Additionally, the bill establishes an Agricultural Intelligence Office within the state's agriculture department to monitor and report potential violations of these property ownership restrictions. Violations of the reporting requirements or prohibited land acquisitions are classified as state jail felonies, and the Attorney General is empowered to investigate potential infractions, issue subpoenas, and even initiate legal actions to force the sale of improperly held property. The law aims to protect Texas land from foreign acquisition, particularly from countries subject to arms embargoes or identified as entities of particular concern under international religious freedom designations, and will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1743