Texas Gov. Abbott Signs Law Targeting Harassment, Coercion by Foreign Government Agents

The Texas governor issued an executive order last year targeting criminals carrying out influence operations on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during the National Rifle Association (NRA) at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas, on May 18, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed legislation to protect Texans from political coercion and intimidation orchestrated by foreign government agents.

Abbott signed SB 1349 into law on May 24, after the House passed the legislation by a vote of 125–15 on May 9. The bill, which creates criminal offenses for acts of transnational repression and unauthorized enforcement of foreign law in the Texas Penal Code, will go into effect on Sept. 1.