(DailyVantage.com) – Texas enacts groundbreaking law to combat foreign influence operations targeting state residents, with harsh penalties for those acting as agents for hostile governments.
At a Glance
- SB 1349, signed by Governor Greg Abbott, creates new criminal offenses for transnational repression and unauthorized enforcement of foreign law
- The law specifically targets agents of foreign governments, particularly the Chinese Communist Party, who engage in harassment, intimidation, or coercion of Texas residents
- Penalties include felony charges for monitoring or surveilling Texans on behalf of foreign governments
- The legislation mandates enhanced training for law enforcement to identify and respond to transnational repression
- Texas becomes the first state to enact comprehensive legislation addressing foreign influence operations
First-in-the-Nation Protection Against Foreign Influence
Governor Greg Abbott has signed Senate Bill 1349 into law, establishing Texas as the first state to enact comprehensive legislation targeting transnational repression. The landmark bill, authored by Senator Bryan Hughes, passed the Texas House with a vote of 125-15 and creates specific criminal penalties for individuals who act on behalf of foreign governments to intimidate, harass, or silence Texas residents. The law, which takes effect September 1, addresses growing concerns about foreign influence operations on American soil, with particular focus on activities linked to the Chinese Communist Party.
The legislation creates two new criminal offenses in the Texas Penal Code: Transnational Repression and Unauthorized Enforcement of Foreign Law. These provisions specifically target individuals acting as agents of foreign governments or terrorist organizations who engage in unlawful conduct to suppress free speech or compel cooperation with foreign regimes. The law establishes severe penalties, categorizing these offenses higher than serious crimes like trafficking and assault in certain circumstances.
“Texas is leading the way in putting foreign adversaries like Communist China on notice!” – State Armor.
Comprehensive Approach to Foreign Threats
SB 1349 builds upon Governor Abbott’s previous executive order directing the Texas Department of Public Safety to arrest individuals involved in influence operations for foreign adversaries. The law establishes that monitoring or surveilling someone in Texas on behalf of a foreign government or terrorist organization constitutes a second-degree felony. This provision addresses concerns about harassment, intimidation, and surveillance of Texas residents, particularly dissidents, expatriates, or critics of authoritarian regimes living in the state.
The legislation also criminalizes attempts to impose foreign legal judgments that violate U.S. or Texas constitutional rights. This protects Texas residents from being subjected to legal proceedings or punishments originating from foreign jurisdictions that do not respect American civil liberties and constitutional protections. The Committee Substitute for SB 1349 expanded the scope of the original bill to include human trafficking and compelling prostitution among qualifying offenses, recognizing the multifaceted nature of transnational repression.
“Both the Biden and Trump administrations have pursued efforts to counter transnational repression domestically here in the United States, including with the FBI, but the FBI cannot and should not be the first line of defense for Texans targeted by these maligned foreign actors.” – Kelly Currie.
Training and Implementation Plan
The law mandates the Texas Department of Public Safety to create a comprehensive training program on transnational repression for peace officers by April 1, 2026. This requirement ensures that local law enforcement agencies will have the knowledge and tools to identify and respond to foreign influence operations in their communities. Additionally, DPS and the Office of the Governor must conduct a study on transnational repression threats and submit recommendations to the state Legislature by March 1, 2026.
Fiscal analysis of the legislation indicates minimal impact on state resources, with obligations expected to be met within existing budgets. Local governments are not projected to face significant fiscal effects from implementing the law. The Texas Policy Research organization recommended a YES vote on the bill, emphasizing its alignment with liberty principles and constitutional rights. Related legislation includes House Bills 133 and 4616, which address similar concerns about foreign influence in the state.
Copyright 2025, DailyVantage.com
