McCAUL BACKS KOLKHORST’S BILL RESTRICTING FOREIGN GOV’T OWNERSHIP OF TEXAS LANDS

  

U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul supports State Senator Lois Kolkhorst in her efforts to curtail land ownership in Texas by certain foreign countries.

McCaul on Thursday released a statement backing Kolkhorst and Senate Bill 147, saying, “It’s no secret that America’s adversaries — emboldened by this administration’s displays of weakness —are growing more aggressive by the day.”  He said, “I’m thankful Texas has champions like Senator Lois Kolkhorst working in our state legislature to protect our great state and its citizens from those who would do us harm.”

SB 147 names China, Iran, North Korea and Russia as countries prohibited from making future land purchases in Texas. 

McCaul, who is the chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said he is concerned about potential threats posed by U.S. land purchases from entities aligned with foreign nation adversaries, particularly the four countries named in Kolkhorst’s legislation. 

A substitute bill was presented on Thursday to the Senate Committee on State Affairs.  The adjusted bill would, according to Kolkhorst, make clear that the limitations on land purchases do not extend to United States citizens and lawful permanent residents, including dual citizens.  Prohibitions for real estate holdings would not include a residence that is homesteaded.

The bill would classify the definition of real estate as land, an improvement, a mine or quarry, a mineral in place or standing timber.  Kolkhorst said the goal is to make clear that the bill ensures the protection of food, energy and national security. 

The substitute specifies that majority control of an entity means 50 percent or more voting control.  It also clarifies the enforcement mechanism, giving authority to the Attorney General to investigate potential violations and bring a divestment proceeding before a court of law.  If an entity is found to be in violation, the court will order the real estate into receivership with existing procedures under Chapter 64, Civil Practices and Civil Remedies being applied.

Kolkhorst said her intent with SB 147 is “to legislate common sense safeguards against Russian, North Korean, Chinese, and Iranian authoritarian regimes.”  She said the bill “will not apply to those fleeing the tyranny of those governments who seek freedom in Texas.”