The bill, S.B. No. 17, amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code and the Property Code in Texas to regulate the purchase or acquisition of title to real property by certain aliens or foreign entities. It introduces a new subchapter (Subchapter H) that defines terms such as "agricultural land," "designated country," and "real property," and outlines the conditions under which foreign individuals or entities may be prohibited from acquiring real property. Specifically, it prohibits entities from designated countries, which pose a national security risk, from purchasing real property if such acquisition would create a risk to public health, safety, and welfare.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that aliens have the same property rights as U.S. citizens, except as specified in the new subchapter. It empowers the attorney general to enforce these regulations and allows for the appointment of a receiver to manage properties acquired in violation of the law. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to transactions occurring after that date, ensuring that prior acquisitions remain governed by existing law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 64.001, Property Code 5.005 (Property Code 5, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 64)