Bill to ban Chinese citizens and government from buying Texas land gains steam among Republicans (Texas Tribune)

Bill to ban Chinese citizens and government from buying Texas land gains steam among Republicans – By Robert Downen (Texas Tribune) / Jan 20, 2023

Sen. Lois Kolkhorst filed a bill that would ban citizens, governments and entities from China, Iran, North Korea and Russia from purchasing land in the state, part of what she and other Republicans have said will help stem foreign influence in Texas.

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Gov. Greg Abbott said this week that he would sign a proposed bill banning citizens and foreign entities from four countries, including China, from buying Texas land.

Filed in November by Brenham Republican Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, Senate Bill 147 would ban citizens, governments and entities from China, Iran, North Korea and Russia from purchasing land here, part of what she and other Republicans have said will help stem foreign influence in Texas.

The bill would also prohibit the purchase or acquisition of property by a “governmental entity” of the four countries; by a company headquartered in the four countries; and by a company “directly or indirectly controlled” by a government of the four countries.

Opponents say the bill — and the GOP’s broader emphasis on threats from the Chinese government — is likely to further sow anti-Asian sentiment that has skyrocketed in recent years and will disenfranchise immigrants, business owners and green-card holders while doing little to address any national security concerns.

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