The Texas House of Representatives has approved an amendment to a bill that would allow Governor Greg Abbott to block people from certain countries and affiliated organizations from purchasing land in the state.
Newsweek contacted Governor Abbott and state Rep. Nate Schatzline, who proposed the amendment, for comment on Friday via email and online inquiry form outside of regular office hours.
Why It Matters
Proponents of Senate Bill 17 argue that it addresses national security risks by limiting land purchases from foreign actors deemed potential threats to the United States. However, critics warn that the measure could foster discrimination against immigrants.
It follows a wave of concern over Chinese land purchases in the United States, some of which have taken place close to military bases.
What To Know
Senate Bill 17, originally introduced by Republican state Senator Lois Kolkhorst, specifically targets individuals and entities residing in countries deemed security threats by the U.S. national director of intelligence. Currently there are only four countries on that list; China, Iran, North Korea and Russia.
However, an amendment passed by the Texas House on Thursday in 1 85-60 vote would allow the governor to add more countries to the list. Governor Abbott has yet to comment on the nationals of which countries, if any, he thinks the ban should be extended to.
Under SB 17, the ban would apply to future land purchases by individuals, businesses and entities connected to specified countries. The legislation would not apply to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
The bill restricts land purchases based on a person’s country of residence rather than their national origin, a distinction meant to comply with federal civil rights laws.
The measure requires an additional House vote before it returns to the Senate for further consideration, the Texas Tribune reported.
Republican state Representative Nate Schatzline, who proposed the amendment to give the governor authority to add other countries to the restricted list, said, “Our governor can act swiftly rather than waiting for a year for that to be added into the [director of national intelligence’s] designated country list.”
Republican state Representative Cole Hefner, who carried the bill in the House, said the legislation was about “securing Texas land and natural resources and making sure that this precious resource does not fall prey to adversarial nations and oppressive regimes that wish to do us harm.”
Opponents, including state Representative Gene Wu, who chairs House Democratic Caucus, expressed concern over the governor’s expanded powers.
“This gives the governor unfettered power to add whatever country he wants to in this bill,” Wu said, warning that the move could lead to racial profiling and discrimination against Asian Texans.
“All these will also bring more anti-Asian hate crime, and reinforce existing social biases, particularly against the Chinese community,” Eileen Huang, who works with the Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition, told ABC13.
What People Are Saying
According to the Texas Tribune, Democratic state Representative Gene Wu said: “It’s kind of dangerous to say one person can decide whatever country he or she wants to add to this without any oversight, without any controls—this is the definition of overreach.”
Eileen Huang, who works with the Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition, told ABC13: “Texas has a long history of pride of a business-friendly environment that encouraged competition. Now, the SB17 has a negative impact on the Texas economy and competitiveness.”
Republican state Senator Lois Kolkhorst said in a March news release: “This is a matter of national security. Texas must act now to protect our land, food sources, water, and natural resources.”
What Happens Next
SB 17, which is still under consideration, may see further amendments. If passed, the bill would take effect on September 1 and apply only to transactions occurring after that date.
The legislation is likely to face legal challenges from advocacy groups arguing that it could result in unconstitutional discrimination based on national origin.
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