Urgent Action Needed: Protect Texas from Foreign Adversaries Buying Our Land!
April 1, 2025 | Media Inquiries: press@mctxgop.org
From Deborah Fite (SREC SD 7), Chair, Texas Is Not For Sale
Texas is facing an escalating threat as hostile nations, including China, continue to acquire valuable land and strategic assets within our borders. It’s time for decisive action to safeguard our state’s security and sovereignty. This issue is not just a matter of practicality—it’s a top priority for the Republican Party of Texas.
House Bill 17, introduced by Representative Cole Hefner, is set to be heard on Wednesday, April 2nd in the House Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veteran’s Affairs. While this legislation aims to address the problem, it contains dangerous loopholes that would still allow individuals and entities from hostile nations to buy and lease Texas land.
TAKE ACTION - Call and Email the Republican members of the committee TODAY and demand a committee substitute that closes the loopholes to ensure this bill truly protects Texas. Members and their contacts are listed below.
Ask for the following loopholes to be closed:
Remove Domicile (legal residence) language and Replace with Citizen: The bill must prohibit citizens of hostile nations from buying real property not just those domiciled in hostile nations, as this can be easily manipulated.
Remove Residency Exception
Eliminate Leasing and Investment Exemptions
Include stronger enforcement mechanisms, with dedicated resources for monitoring and investigating complex ownership structures, including shell companies and trusts.
Include Retroactive Application: The bills must apply retroactively to existing foreign-owned land, ensuring that no adversarial entity can retain ownership of land that poses a national security risk.
Include provisions that impose penalties on sellers, brokers, and title companies that facilitate prohibited land transactions, including criminal penalties for violations.
Close Penalty Gaps and Deterrence Weakness: The bills should mandate divestiture in all cases or escalate penalties for repeat offenders.
House Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veteran’s Affairs
(R) Cole Hefner Chair
cole.hefner@house.texas.gov
512-463-0271
(D) Ray Lopez Vice-Chair
ray.lopez@house.texas.gov
512-463-0669
(D) Terry Canales
terry.canales@house.texas.gov
512-463-0426
(D) Phil Cortez
philip.cortez@house.texas.gov
512-463-0269
(R) Mark Dorazio
mark.dorazio@house.texas.gov
512-463-0646
(R) Hillary Hickland
hillary.hickland@house.texas.gov
512-463-0630
(R) Janis Holt
janis.holt@house.texas.gov
512-463-0570
(R) Carrie Isaac
carrie.isaac@house.texas.gov
512-463-0325
(R) AJ Louderback
aj.louderback@house.texas.gov
512-463-0456
(R) Don McLaughlin
don.mclaughlin@house.texas.gov
512-463-0194
(R) Katrina Pierson
katrina.pierson@house.texas.gov
512-463-0484
Take Action - Make an Online Public Comment
Click here to make a comment that will be distributed to members of the respective House committee and made publicly available on House and legislative websites.
Don't let Texas become vulnerable—take action NOW! The Republican Party of Texas OPPOSES HB 17 by Rep. Hefner, unless amended to close the loopholes.
*Ratified via Resolution on 3-22-25 by the body of the SREC 60-1-2.