Jackson Walker partner Robert L. Soza and senior counsel Jenny Roan Forgey were featured in the Houston Business Journal to discuss the implications of Texas Senate Bill 17, a new law signed by Governor Greg Abbott. Effective September 1, 2025, the legislation will prohibit citizens and companies from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia from purchasing residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural land in Texas. The restrictions also extend to other property interests, including mineral and water rights, as well as long-term leases. Notably, the bill exempts permanent U.S. residents from these prohibitions.

The law has generated significant concern among real estate professionals and business leaders, who warn that the restrictions could deter foreign investment, create legal uncertainties, and potentially foster discrimination.

Robert commented on the potential impact of the law on real estate investment, stating, “Until we see the regulations, it may affect limited partners that acquire real estate by limiting the investors that they can permit. This is going to limit the pool, potentially, of buyers or investors.”

The article further highlights the confusion and apprehension among real estate professionals regarding how the law will be enforced and the risk of legal challenges, particularly on constitutional grounds. There is also concern about the broader economic impact, as Texas has historically benefited from significant foreign direct investment.

Jenny addressed the law’s reach, explaining, “If you’re a company or organization that is owned by a (prohibited) government, then you don’t get to own real estate — it can’t be directly or indirectly controlled or held.”

To read the full Houston Business Journal article, view “New Texas law restricting land purchases by foreigners could have chilling effect on real estate.”

Meet Robert

Robert L. Soza is a licensed U.S. Customs Broker with extensive experience in Anti-Corruption, Anti-Money Laundering, FCPA, U.S. export control, customs, trade sanctions, and CFIUS compliance. He has conducted audits, advised on enforcement matters, prepared voluntary disclosures, and represented clients in administrative, criminal, and civil proceedings before key U.S. agencies. Robert has led investigations into FCPA violations, developed global compliance policies and training, and published articles on Mexico’s legal system, anti-corruption, U.S. sanctions, and export controls.

Meet Jenny

Jenny Roan Forgey is an attorney in the Real Estate section of Jackson Walker’s Austin office. She represents developers, owners, buyers, sellers, and investors in a wide range of commercial and residential real estate transactions, with a focus on acquisitions, dispositions, development, entitlement, and governance. Jenny specializes in complex transactions and the development and governance of master-planned and mixed-use communities. She is known for her expertise in drafting governance documents for planned communities and condominium regimes, and for her creative solutions to challenges in entitling and platting property.