Bill to ban Chinese citizens and government from buying Texas land gains steam among Republicans

State Sen. Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, speaks from her desk on the Senate floor on May 30, 2021. (Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune)

Gov. Greg Abbott said this week that he would sign a proposed bill banning citizens and foreign entities from four countries, including China, from buying Texas land.

Filed in November by Brenham Republican Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, Senate Bill 147 would ban citizens, governments and entities from China, Iran, North Korea and Russia from purchasing land here, part of what she and other Republicans have said will help stem foreign influence in Texas.