The bill, H.B. No. 128, introduces Chapter 795 to the Government Code, which establishes regulations regarding sister-city agreements between governmental entities in Texas and foreign countries or communities. It defines key terms such as "foreign adversary," which includes countries like China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, as well as any country designated under Chapter 2275. The bill encourages sister-city agreements with countries that are allies of the United States, including major non-NATO allies and Taiwan, while prohibiting agreements with foreign adversaries or communities in those countries.
Additionally, the bill mandates that any governmental entity currently engaged in a sister-city agreement with a foreign adversary must withdraw from that agreement by October 1, 2025. This provision is set to expire on January 1, 2027. The overall intent of the legislation is to promote positive international relations while safeguarding against potential risks associated with partnerships with adversarial nations. The act is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2025.
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