04/29/2026
TEXAS ADVERSARIAL LAND OWNERSHIP ACT: What You Need to Know
Texas is taking a strong stance on foreign land ownership with the passage of SB 17, often referred to as the Adversarial Land Ownership Act. The law prohibits certain “prohibited persons” and entities tied to designated countries including China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, from acquiring interests in Texas real property. The broad reach of this act applies to residential, commercial, agricultural, and mineral interests as well as farmland. Designated countries are defined by national security threat assessments and may be expanded by the State as new threats are recognized.
The Texas Attorney General investigates violations, brings enforcement actions, and oversees compliance, with reporting obligations placed on real estate professionals. Violations can trigger civil penalties, criminal liability, and court-ordered divestment with courts potentially appointing a receiver to take control and sell property if acquired in violation of the law.
SB 17 significantly reshapes who can own Texas real estate making compliance and due diligence more critical than ever.
