Protestors rallied against Senate Bill 147, a proposed Texas law that would ban governments, businesses and citizens of China, Iran, North Korea and Russia from buying real estate in Texas. Fort Bend County Judge KP George spoke out against the proposed bill, stating that it is discriminatory and unjust, and that it would be unfair for all foreign people.
The bill is authored by Republican State Senator Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham and piggybacks on a 2021 law banning so-called hostile nations from owning or controlling critical infrastructure projects in Texas. The Fort Bend County Republican Party Chair, Bobby Eberle, supports the bill, stating that it is necessary to protect the homeland. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has already stated that he intends to sign the bill.
Eberle said penalizing individuals isn’t the priority and natives of the countries in question who have become U.S. citizens have nothing to worry about. In fact, Eberle believes they may be supportive.
“Because they don’t want those countries that they have escaped from getting more of a stranglehold or foothold in America,” said Eberle.
Bobby Eberle, KHOU11.com
Can I Senate Bill 147?
Yes, it can read here: https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/html/SB00147I.htm
This bill proposes an amendment to the Property Code of Texas, which would prohibit certain foreign individuals or entities from purchasing or otherwise acquiring title to real property in the state. Specifically, the bill would prohibit governmental entities of China, Iran, North Korea and Russia, as well as companies or entities that are headquartered in or controlled by the governments of these countries, from buying real estate in Texas. Additionally, the bill would prohibit individuals who are citizens of these countries from buying real estate in Texas. The changes in law made by this bill would only apply to purchases or acquisitions of title to real property made on or after the effective date of the bill, which is September 1, 2023.
Read more: https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-senate-bill-147/285-73ac25f0-ab06-4ace-9d2d-f2aa4eb06d3a