AUSTIN, Texas — A bill that would ban people from certain countries from owning land in Texas is now headed to Governor Greg Abbott's desk, after lawmakers in both the Texas House and Senate agreed on changes made to Senate Bill 17.

The legislation, which was authored by State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) and then shepherded through the House by State Rep. Cole Hefner (R-Mt. Pleasant), would block people from designated nations that "pose national security threats" from purchasing land in Texas.

"We were able to craft the strongest national security bill that this nation has ever seen from any state," Kolkhorst said.

Supporters argue this is a matter of national security and protecting natural resources, but critics say SB 17 creates a slippery slope and targets immigrants and comm

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