The Protect Texas Land Act aims to regulate the holding or acquisition of real property interests by certain foreign individuals and entities in Texas. It amends Section 5.005 of the Property Code to clarify that aliens have the same property rights as U.S. citizens, except as specified in the new Subchapter H. This subchapter introduces definitions related to agricultural land and establishes reporting requirements for foreign individuals and organizations that hold or acquire interests in real property. It also creates criminal offenses for failing to report such interests or for misrepresenting information in reports, classifying these offenses as state jail felonies.

Additionally, the bill prohibits specific foreign individuals and entities from acquiring interests in agricultural land, particularly those from countries under arms embargoes or designated as entities of concern. It allows for the establishment of an agricultural intelligence office within the Texas Department of Agriculture to oversee compliance with these regulations and report violations to the attorney general. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and includes provisions for individuals to divest interests in agricultural land acquired before this date by September 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Property Code 5.005 (Property Code 5)