Spiller bill bans foreign land ownership in Texas

State Rep. David Spiller has filed two bills to restrict certain foreign entities from acquiring real estate in Texas, an issue that lawmakers have made a priority for the 89th Legislative Session that begins in January.

Rep. Spiller pre-filed House Bill 191 and House Bill 243, which address growing concerns about national security threats posed by foreign entities purchasing or leasing land in Texas, particularly those from nations identified as threats in the U.S. Intelligence Community’s Annual Threat Assessment.

House Bill 191 would prohibit entities controlled by China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from acquiring or leasing real property in Texas, including both surface land and mineral rights. The bill, however, does not target individual foreign nationals, only entities linked to these governments.

The legislation aims to prevent these countries from exploiting land ownership for strategic or military purposes.

“These bills are a direct response to the increasing threat posed by foreign adversaries using Texas land for purposes that could undermine our security,” said Rep. Spiller, an attorney and real estate professional. “It’s a complex issue, but one that must be addressed.”

House Bill 243 goes a step further, granting the Texas Attorney General the power to use eminent domain to take action against foreign landowners who pose a security risk.

Both bills reflect Rep. Spiller’s commitment to protecting Texas’ sovereignty and addressing the unique challenges posed by foreign influence in the state, he said.

Rep. Spiller was overwhelmingly re-elected to a third term in the Nov. 5 election. He represents District 68, which includes Brown, Comanche, Cooke, Eastland, Jack, Lampasas, Mills, Montague, San Saba, Shackelford, Throckmorton, and Young counties.