TITLE: Relating to the ownership of agricultural land by nonresident aliens or foreign entities.

SUMMARY: Relating to the ownership of agricultural land by nonresident aliens or foreign entities.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the ownership of agricultural land by nonresident aliens or foreign entities. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Title 1, Agriculture Code, is amended by adding Chapter 3 to read as follows: CHAPTER 3. OWNERSHIP OF AGRICULTURAL LAND Sec. 3.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) "Agricultural land" means land that qualifies for tax appraisal under Subchapter Cor D, Chapter 23, Tax Code. (2) "Foreign" means created or organized in a country other than the United States or under the law of a country other than the United States. (3) "Nonresident alien" means a citizen of a country other than the United States who is not a resident of this state. Sec. 3.002. NONRESIDENT ALIEN OR FOREIGN ACQUISITION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND PROHIBITED. Notwithstanding any other law, a nonresident alien, foreign business, or foreign government, or an agent, trustee, or fiduciary of a nonresident alien, foreign business, or foreign government, may not purchase or otherwise acquire title to agricultural land in this state. Sec. 3.003. ANNUAL REPORT OF NONRESIDENT ALIEN OR FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF AGRICULTURAL LAND. (a) Not later than January 1 of each year, the department shall submit to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives a report that identifies all agricultural land in this state owned by a nonresident alien, foreign business, or foreign government, or an agent, trustee, or fiduciary of a nonresident alien, foreign business, or foreign government. (b) The department shall post and maintain on the department's Internet website the most recent report required by Subsection (a). SECTION 2. Section 5.005, Property Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 5.005. ALIENS. Except as provided by Chapter 3, Agriculture Code, an [An] alien has the same real and personal property rights as a United States citizen. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect on the 91st day after the last day of the legislative session.