SB 17Signed into law; effective September 1, 202589th Regular Session (2025)
Texas restricts land buying by people and companies tied to certain foreign governments
What it does
SB 17 blocks the purchase of Texas real property by governments, companies, and some individuals connected to countries the state identifies as national security threats. It creates a criminal offense for knowingly violating the ban and adds a civil penalty. The attorney general can investigate and ask a court to force a sale.
What it means for your community
Title companies and real estate agents now run extra checks at closing, which can add paperwork to some sales. Legal residents and US citizens are not covered by the ban, but buyers with foreign business ties should expect questions before a deal closes.
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