A set of new rules proposed by Attorney General Ken Paxton seeks to strengthen Texas’ ability to protect state land from foreign adversaries like China.
According to the Friday announcement, these rules build upon those proposed earlier this year to enforce a newly passed state law banning land purchases by countries that have been deemed hostile.
Paxton’s latest proposal leaves most of the previous rules in place but adds additional protections and clarifications.
Soon anyone, not just individuals involved in real estate transactions, can submit a complaint to the attorney general’s office if they believe a violation of the law has occurred.
The attorney general’s office would also develop a plan for an online portal, modeled after the Texas Sex Offender Registry, that contains a list of the properties owned “by entities that meet the definitions established by SB 17.” Properties that were acquired before the bill’s implementation date will also be listed.
“Under my watch, communist China, Russia, Iran, or any other of our nation’s enemies or foreign nationals who threaten our national security will not be allowed to buy property in Texas,” said Paxton. “My strengthened rules will increase transparency, empower Texans to report potential violations, and give my office additional tools to identify foreign land ownership and vigorously enforce the law.”
Paxton also announced that he has begun work on a new task force within the attorney general’s office dedicated specifically to “uncovering and stopping” foreign entities from purchasing Texas land.
“America’s adversaries should never be allowed to buy up American land around our bases and critical infrastructure,” said Michael Lucci, founder and CEO of State Armor, an organization focused on state-level policy solutions to national security threats.
The newly proposed rules can be viewed in the Texas Register.
