Texas House Passes Amended SB 17, Targeting Foreign Land Ownership — Final Senate Vote Awaits

By a vote of 86-59, Senate Bill 17 passed out of the Texas House. It goes back to the Senate for one more vote, since it was amended. If they approve it, the bill goes to the Governor’s desk.

SB 17 would ban certain noncitizens and foreign entities from buying land in Texas — and giving Governor Greg Abbott the power to determine which countries fall under that ban.

The legislation, originally targeting entities connected to China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia — countries listed by the U.S. Director of National Intelligence as national security threats — was amended to allow the governor to expand the list at will. The bill now requires one more vote in the House before returning to the Senate for consideration of the amendments.

According to the Texas Tribune, Republican Rep. Nate Schatzline, who introduced the amendment, said it enables Texas to act “swiftly” in response to potential threats without waiting on federal intelligence agencies. But Democrats slammed the move as a dangerous power grab.

“This gives the governor unfettered power to add whatever country he wants… without any oversight,” said Rep. Gene Wu, a Houston Democrat and chair of the House Democratic Caucus. “This is the definition of overreach.”

The bill, authored by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, would also allow the attorney general to investigate and refer potential violations to district courts. If a court finds that an ineligible buyer acquired property, it could force a sale or lease termination. Opponents argue that such sweeping powers could lead to racial profiling and over-policing of certain communities.

Civil Rights Advocates Call SB 17 “Dangerous” and “Discriminatory”

The Texas Civil Rights Project (TCRP) issued a statement Thursday condemning SB 17 as “deeply discriminatory” and unconstitutional. The organization joined a chorus of legal experts and community advocates warning that the legislation will target immigrant communities, particularly Asian and Muslim Texans.

“This bill is discrimination,” said Danny Woodward, a policy attorney with TCRP. “It represents the politics of fear and mistrust… We reject these politics and we reject this bill.”

Woodward pointed to the bill’s vague language around residency and domicile status, arguing it will inevitably lead to profiling. “People on student and work visas won’t be able to buy an apartment simply because of the country they are from,” he said. “That’s not public safety — that’s persecution.”

Under the House version of the bill, HB lawful permanent residents are exempt, but other legal visa holders, such as international students and researchers, would remain subject to the ban — a sticking point for opponents. Rep. Cole Hefner accepted a late amendment to address some concerns around visa holders, though details remain limited.

Political Fallout Already Brewing

Beyond the civil liberties implications, SB 17 could carry political consequences. According to the Quorum Report, during Thursday night’s emotionally charged six-hour debate, Rep. Hefner accepted an amendment to partially address concerns around visa holders. However, conservative power brokers, including organizations linked to donors Tim Dunn and the Wilks brothers, are already warning of repercussions for lawmakers who supported the measure.

“Everyone bookmark this vote — it will cost many incumbents their seats,” said former Rep. Jonathan Stickland.

Despite opposition, particularly from Democrats, Thursday’s vote moved the bill closer to becoming law. If the Senate approves the amended version and Gov. Abbott signs it, the law would take effect on Sept. 1 and apply to land purchases made on or after that date.

Though supporters frame SB 17 as a matter of national security, the TCRP and other advocacy groups argue that its real impact will be felt in courtrooms, neighborhoods, and housing markets across the state — particularly by communities already marginalized.