Senate Bill No. 17 becomes law on September 1, 2025.

On June 20, 2025, Governor Abbott signed Senate Bill No. 17 to prohibit the purchase or acquisition of interests in real property by individuals domiciled in and companies and organizations with ownership from certain designated countries.  The initial “designated countries” are China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea—but the list may expand based on future Annual Threat Assessments of the U.S. Intelligence Community or by designation by the Governor of Texas. The new law, codified in Subchapter H of Chapter 5 of the Texas Property Code, applies to transactions on or after the September 1, 2025, effective date and does not apply retroactively.