Land Laws in Texas: H.B. 17 and S.B. 17

In the early 20th century, approximately 15 states—including Texas—implemented laws primarily designed to discourage Asian immigrants from settling permanently in the U.S. by restricting land ownership and leasing rights. Though many of these laws were later struck down or repealed, their legacy persists in modern policies that target foreign nationals from specific countries (primarily China) under the guise of national security. Recently legislative efforts in Texas have revived land laws in the modern context. In January 2025, Rep. Hefner filed HB 17, despite fierce opposition against previous iterations of this type of bill on the part of civil rights groups who were alarmed over the targeting of Chinese immigrant communities. In February 2025, Senator Lois Kolkhorst, along with 15 other primary cosponsors, filed language under SB17, which the Lieutenant Governor had identified as a priority, despite fierce opposition from civil rights groups who were alarmed over the bill’s targeting of Chinese immigrant communities.