Austin, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed landmark legislation aimed at safeguarding the state from hostile foreign adversaries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. The new law includes three bills that focus on preventing foreign ownership of Texas land and resources. Senate Bill 17 prohibits certain hostile countries from acquiring real property, while House Bill 128 bans sister-city agreements with them. Additionally, Senate Bill 1349 establishes new criminal offenses related to foreign repression. This action reflects Texas’s commitment to protect its citizens and resources.
Austin, Texas – Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed landmark legislation on August 26, aimed at fortifying the state against threats posed by hostile foreign adversaries, including countries such as Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea. The ceremony was held at the Texas Capitol and supported by a group of lawmakers instrumental in the bill’s passage.
The new legislation includes three key bills: House Bill 128, Senate Bill 17, and Senate Bill 1349, which successfully made their way through the 89th Regular Legislative Session. These measures respond to growing concerns regarding foreign influence in Texas, particularly regarding national security.
One of the main provisions of Senate Bill 17 is a prohibition against certain hostile countries, individuals, and organizations from acquiring real property in Texas. This aims to prevent adversaries from owning land that could potentially threaten state security or infrastructure. In addition, House Bill 128 bans sister-city agreements with governments seen as hostile while promoting partnerships with trusted U.S. allies instead.
Senate Bill 1349 addresses issues of illegal foreign influence by establishing a new criminal offense against transnational repression and mandating a training program for law enforcement to better tackle such matters. With these laws, Governor Abbott emphasized that stringent criminal penalties will be enforced against violators, reinforcing the state’s commitment to safeguarding Texas from foreign overreach.
The Governor articulated that these legislative measures reflect the desires not only of the citizens of Texas but of the American populace at large. He reiterated the importance of denying hostile actors access to critical state resources and infrastructure, which are vital to both the economy and the safety of Texans.
This legislative action comes in response to Texas’s wealth in various resources, including farmland, water, oil and gas, timber, and rare earth materials, making it a strategic state in terms of national security interests. The increasing recognition of potential foreign threats has pressed local authorities to act decisively, fortifying Texas’s policies and regulations regarding ownership and partnerships with foreign entities.
Senator Lois Kolkhorst described the passage of the legislation as a significant achievement, likening it to a journey that resulted in Texas having “the strongest bill in the nation” concerning foreign land ownership. The bipartisan support for the legislation highlights the shared concerns among lawmakers regarding the implications of foreign adversaries on Texas’s resources and security.
The signing ceremony also included notable figures in the legislative process, including Senators Bryan Hughes and Lois Kolkhorst as well as Representatives Cole Hefner, Janie Lopez, and Angelia Orr, showcasing a united front against potential foreign threats.
With the new legislation now in effect, Texas is taking proactive measures to ensure that hostile foreign entities are kept at bay, reflecting the state’s resolve to protect its interests and uphold the safety of its constituents.
FAQ
What new legislation did Governor Greg Abbott sign?
Governor Abbott signed three key pieces of legislation: House Bill 128, Senate Bill 17, and Senate Bill 1349 aimed at protecting Texas from hostile foreign adversaries.
What does Senate Bill 17 prohibit?
Senate Bill 17 prohibits certain nations and organizations, including hostile foreign adversaries, from acquiring real property in Texas.
How does House Bill 128 function?
House Bill 128 bans sister-city agreements with governmental entities from hostile foreign nations and promotes partnerships with U.S. allies.
What is the focus of Senate Bill 1349?
Senate Bill 1349 creates a new criminal offense for transnational repression and mandates a training program for law enforcement on these issues.
What resources is Texas known for that are relevant to this legislation?
Texas is rich in resources such as farmland, water, oil and gas, timber, and rare earth materials, making its protection against foreign ownership crucial.
Key Features of the Legislation
| Bill | Key Provisions | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| House Bill 128 | Bans sister-city agreements with hostile nations; promotes partnerships with U.S. allies | Protect Texas from foreign influence and strengthen ties with friendly nations |
| Senate Bill 17 | Prohibits hostile countries from acquiring real property in Texas | Avoid foreign ownership of critical resources and land |
| Senate Bill 1349 | Establishes new criminal offense for transnational repression; law enforcement training | Equip law enforcement to handle foreign repression cases effectively |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
North Korea Criticizes US Golden Dome Missile Shield Plan
Protests Erupt in Texas Against Senate Bill 17
Texas House Approves Controversial Property Ban Targeting Foreigners
Concerns Rise Over Senate Bill 17 Targeting Foreign Land Ownership in Texas
Additional Resources
- KBTX
- Wikipedia: Greg Abbott
- FOX 7 Austin
- Google Search: Greg Abbott foreign adversaries legislation
- KXAN
- Google Scholar: foreign adversaries in Texas
- Texas Border Business
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas legislation foreign adversaries
- KXAN Video
- Google News: Texas foreign adversaries bills
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
