Texas Cracks Down on Foreign Powers With New Security Laws

Governor Greg Abbott held a ceremonial bill signing this week for three new bills he says will help protect Texans from hostile foreign powers and criminal organizations.

These laws were passed during the second special session currently underway in Austin, Texas. The legislation, House Bill 128, Senate Bill 17, and Senate Bill 1349, targets what state leaders describe as growing threats from countries such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, as well as foreign terrorist groups.

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Governor Abbott stated that the laws are designed to safeguard Texas' land, infrastructure, and communities.

“Hostile foreign adversaries must not be allowed to own land in Texas,” Abbott said during the event. “They should not have access to our critical infrastructure, and they may not be allowed to exploit our border.”

 

Breakdown of the new Texas laws:

• House Bill 128, authored by Rep. Angelia Orr and Rep. Janie Lopez, prohibits Texas cities and counties from entering “sister-city” partnerships with governments from hostile nations, while encouraging partnerships with U.S. allies.
• Senate Bill 17, authored by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst and Rep. Cole Hefner, bans certain foreign governments, organizations, and individuals — including designated transnational criminal groups — from buying or owning property in Texas.
• Senate Bill 1349, authored by Sen. Bryan Hughes and Rep. Lopez, establishes a new criminal offense for “transnational repression,” including intimidation or threats carried out on behalf of foreign regimes. The law also requires specialized law enforcement training on the issue.

Abbott was joined at the signing ceremony by lawmakers from both chambers who carried the legislation.

Watch the Full Signing by the Texas Governor

This video was recorded as a live feed; the actual ceremony begins after the governor arrives, at 11:58 into the video.