Texas passes restrictive land laws amid concerns

For one business owner, it's regrettable that the Texas Legislature passed SB17, a bill primarily prohibiting Chinese nationals from purchasing real property in Texas and limiting renting to less than one year. If Governor Greg Abbott signs the bill, it will take effect on Sept 1.

Zhang, a Chinese business owner who asked to be identified by his last name only, has visited Texas a few times in the past two years, seeking a site to establish a battery factory. That plan is now scrapped, Zhang said.

SB17 prohibits citizens without green cards from countries deemed to pose a threat to the United States by the federal government and any entities they control from purchasing any real estate in Texas — including residential, commercial or agricultural properties.