The new statute will impose expansive state-level restrictions on property ownership through sweeping prohibitions aimed at limiting land acquisition by certain foreign governments, companies and individuals.
On June 20, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Texas Senate Bill 17 (SB 17) into law, reshaping the landscape for global investment in Texas real estate. When the new statute takes effect on September 1, 2025, it will impose expansive state-level restrictions on property ownership through sweeping prohibitions aimed at limiting land acquisition by certain foreign governments, companies and individuals.
For foreign companies, particularly those headquartered in or controlled by individuals from countries identified by the U.S. or the Texas governor as national security threats, SB 17 creates major obstacles to real estate investment, financing and development.
Reprinted courtesy of Adam J. Weaver, Pillsbury, Allan C. Van Vliet, Pillsbury, Jenny Y. Liu, Pillsbury, Frank Xue, Pillsbury and Emily Pierce, Pillsbury
Mr. Weaver may be contacted at adam.weaver@pillsburylaw.com
Mr. Van Vliet may be contacted at allan.vanvliet@pillsburylaw.com
Ms. Liu may be contacted at jenny.liu@pillsburylaw.com
Mr. Xue may be contacted at frank.xue@pillsburylaw.com