Cole Hefner, said the legislation would make Texas and the nation safer because "adversarial nations," as identified by the U.S. national intelligence director — China, Russia, Iran and North Korea — could not become Texas landowners.

The bill was amended to exempt visa-holders, but to give Gov. Greg Abbott power to bar other foreign citizens from purchasing property in Texas.

Advocates say they're protecting Texas and its resources, but opponents worry it could be used to justify racial discrimination.