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Bill > HB17

TX HB17

TX HB17
Relating to the purchase of or acquisition of title to real property by certain aliens or foreign entities; creating a criminal offense.

summary

Introduced
03/13/2025
In Committee
03/14/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/02/2025

Introduced Session

89th Legislature Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT relating to the purchase of or acquisition of title to real property by certain aliens or foreign entities; creating a criminal offense.

AI Summary

This bill creates new restrictions on real property purchases in Texas by certain foreign individuals and entities, specifically targeting nationals and governmental entities from designated countries (currently China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia). The legislation establishes a comprehensive framework prohibiting individuals domiciled in these designated countries, their governmental entities, and certain companies from purchasing or acquiring title to real property in Texas. Individuals or entities violating these restrictions could face significant legal consequences, including potential criminal charges (a state jail felony for individuals) and substantial fines for companies (either $250,000 or 50% of the property's market value). The bill allows the governor to expand the list of designated countries after consulting with public safety and homeland security officials. If a prohibited purchase is discovered, the law provides for judicial intervention, including divesting the property interest, appointing a receiver to manage the property, and selling the property with proceeds going to the state after satisfying existing liens. The bill includes exceptions for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, citizens of foreign countries not domiciled in designated countries, and leasehold interests. The legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to property purchases made on or after that date.

Committee Categories

Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (69)

Cole Hefner (R)*,  John McQueeney (R)*,  Will Metcalf (R)*,  Jared Patterson (R)*,  David Spiller (R)*,  Daniel Alders (R),  Trent Ashby (R),  Jeffrey Barry (R),  Cecil Bell (R),  Keith Bell (R),  Greg Bonnen (R),  Brad Buckley (R),  Ben Bumgarner (R),  Briscoe Cain (R),  Giovanni Capriglione (R),  David Cook (R),  Charles Cunningham (R),  Pat Curry (R),  Drew Darby (R),  Jay Dean (R),  Mano DeAyala (R),  Mark Dorazio (R),  Paul Dyson (R),  Caroline Fairly (R),  Gary Gates (R),  Stan Gerdes (R),  Charlie Geren (R),  Ryan Guillen (R),  Cody Harris (R),  Caroline Harris Davila (R),  Richard Hayes (R),  Hillary Hickland (R),  Janis Holt (R),  Lacey Hull (R),  Carrie Isaac (R),  Stan Kitzman (R),  Stan Lambert (R),  Brooks Landgraf (R),  Jeff Leach (R),  Terri Leo-Wilson (R),  Mitch Little (R),  Janie Lopez (R),  A.J. Louderback (R),  David Lowe (R),  John Lujan (R),  Shelley Luther (R),  Don McLaughlin (R),  Morgan Meyer (R),  Candy Noble (R),  Tom Oliverson (R),  Angelia Orr (R),  Dennis Paul (R),  Dade Phelan (R),  Katrina Pierson (R),  Keresa Richardson (R),  Nate Schatzline (R),  Alan Schoolcraft (R),  Joanne Shofner (R),  Shelby Slawson (R),  John Smithee (R),  Valoree Swanson (R),  Carl Tepper (R),  Steve Toth (R),  Ellen Troxclair (R),  Cody Vasut (R),  Denise Villalobos (R),  Wesley Virdell (R),  Trey Wharton (R),  Terry Wilson (R), 

Last Action

Left pending in committee (on 04/02/2025)
(3 Companion Bills)

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