12-05-2025
Money speaks out on passage of Senate Bill 17
AUSTIN – State Rep. Brent Money (HD-2) on Saturday called the passage of SB-17 "one of the strongest protections in the country that will safeguard Texas property from hostile foreign influence."
SB-17 lets the Texas governor determine the countries whose residents, governments and other entities could be banned from buying property here. Restrictions were previously limited to countries that the U.S. national director of intelligence has designated as national security threats. Currently, that list includes only China, Iran, North Korea and Russia.
'When this bill (SB-17) came to the House floor Thursday morning, it was not a strong enough deterrent to the type of hostile foreign influence we are seeking to end,' Money said. 'Over the last two days, our team dedicated an immense amount of energy to amending this bill to be much stronger and send a clear message that Texas property ownership is for Texans.'
On second reading, State Rep. Matt Shaheen offered an amendment changing the bill to only apply to individuals not lawfully present in the United States, which Money spoke against.
'If a person is here illegally, they should be deported,' Money said. 'If they are here legally but from one of these designated hostile countries, they shouldn't be able to buy property.'
Shaheen's amendment passed 120-19, with Money voting against it. The bill now goes to conference for reconciliation with the Senate's version.
'I'm confident that the final version will be the strongest legislation of its kind in America.' Money said.
