Texas Governor Greg Abbott signs Senate Bill 1349, which creates two new criminal offenses: transnational repression and unauthorized enforcement of foreign law. The law imposes severe penalties, making foreign government surveillance a second-degree felony. The bill passed the Texas House with overwhelming support (125-15).
Groundbreaking Legislation Targets Foreign Intimidation
Texas has positioned itself at the forefront of combating foreign interference with the signing of Senate Bill 1349 by Governor Greg Abbott. The legislation, which becomes effective September 1, establishes criminal offenses for transnational repression and unauthorized enforcement of foreign law within Texas borders. This pioneering law specifically targets the activities of foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party, whose agents have reportedly engaged in monitoring, harassing, and intimidating Texas residents.
The bill received strong bipartisan support in the Texas legislature, passing the House with a commanding 125-15 vote, demonstrating the widespread concern about foreign interference in domestic affairs.
#Texas Gov. #GregAbbott has signed legislation to protect Texans from political coercion and intimidation orchestrated by foreign government agents. https://t.co/BsL5YnocCs
— The Epoch Times – China Insider (@EpochTimesChina) May 27, 2025
Tough New Criminal Penalties
SB 1349 introduces significant penalties for those caught engaging in transnational repression. Under the new law, monitoring or surveilling someone in Texas on behalf of a foreign government or terrorist organization constitutes a second-degree felony. The legislation specifically targets individuals acting as agents of foreign governments who engage in unlawful conduct to suppress free speech or compel cooperation with foreign regimes. The offenses include crimes like assault, trafficking, harassment, or coercion designed to silence constitutionally protected First Amendment activities.
The law’s stringent approach categorizes transnational repression offenses higher than serious crimes like trafficking and assault, signaling Texas’s determination to eradicate foreign political manipulation. This tough stance builds upon Governor Abbott’s previous executive order directing the Texas Department of Public Safety to arrest individuals involved in influence operations for foreign entities, particularly the Chinese Communist Party.
Texas Gov. Abbott Signs Law Targeting Harassment, Coercion by Foreign Government Agents https://t.co/KG9qZxEEvw
— CCP & China Reporter (@CcpReporter) May 27, 2025
Implementation and Training Requirements
Beyond establishing criminal offenses, SB 1349 mandates significant training and study requirements to ensure effective implementation. The Texas Department of Public Safety must develop a comprehensive training program on transnational repression for peace officers by April 1, 2026. Additionally, the law requires a detailed study on transnational repression threats, with recommendations to be submitted to the state legislature by March 1, 2026. These measures ensure that law enforcement personnel will be properly equipped to identify and respond to foreign influence operations occurring within Texas communities.
The fiscal impact of implementing this legislation is expected to be minimal, with governmental entities indicating they can fulfill their new obligations using existing resources. This practical approach to enforcement, coupled with the law’s clear definitions and constitutional alignment, demonstrates Texas’s commitment to safeguarding First Amendment liberties while countering foreign threats. The Texas Policy Research organization has recommended a “YES” vote on the bill, emphasizing its alignment with liberty principles and constitutional rights that are fundamental to American democracy.