PRIA Logo™
TexasHB 12889th Legislature Regular SessionHouse

Relating to certain sister-city agreements between governmental entities and foreign countries and communities.

Sponsored By: Cole Hefner, Lois Kolkhorst (Republican), Don McLaughlin, Angelia Orr

Signed by Governor

City Government--GeneralIntergovernmental RelationsPolitical SubdivisionsState Agencies, Boards & CommissionsINTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Texas governments face limits on sister-city agreements

Beginning September 1, 2025, Texas state agencies and local governments cannot start, keep, or renew certain sister-city agreements. The ban covers China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and other foreign adversaries designated under Government Code Chapter 2275. It also covers communities in those countries. Covered agreements support cultural and educational exchanges, tourism, and other cooperation. They must be recognized by a tax-exempt nonprofit serving as the national membership organization for U.S. sister cities, counties, and states. Governments with banned agreements on September 1, 2025, must withdraw by October 1, 2025. The withdrawal section expires January 1, 2027; the ban does not. State policy also encourages sister-city ties with allied countries and their communities, including major non-NATO allies and Taiwan.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Cole Hefner

    House

  • Lois Kolkhorst

    Republican • Senate

  • Don McLaughlin

    House

  • Angelia Orr

    House

Cosponsors

  • Greg Bonnen

    House

  • Benjamin Bumgarner

    House

  • Giovanni Capriglione

    House

  • David Cook

    House

  • Cody Harris

    House

  • Hillary Hickland

    House

  • Janis Holt

    House

  • Lacey Hull

    House

  • Carrie Isaac

    House

  • Jeff Leach

    House

  • Janie Lopez

    House

  • John McQueeney

    House

  • Will Metcalf

    House

  • Katrina Pierson

    House

  • Ellen Troxclair

    House

  • Terry M. Wilson

    House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 220 • No: 76

Senate vote • 5/25/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/25/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 4/30/2025

Record vote

Yes: 104 • No: 32

House vote • 4/29/2025

Record vote

Yes: 97 • No: 41

Senate vote • Unknown

Committee vote: State Affairs

Yes: 11 • No: 0

House vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Yes: 8 • No: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective on 9/1/25

    6/20/2025House

  2. Signed by the Governor

    6/20/2025House

  3. Sent to the Governor

    5/28/2025House

  4. Signed in the Senate

    5/27/2025Senate

  5. Signed in the House

    5/27/2025House

  6. Reported enrolled

    5/26/2025House

  7. Senate passage reported

    5/25/2025House

  8. Record vote

    5/25/2025Senate

  9. Passed

    5/25/2025Senate

  10. Read 3rd time

    5/25/2025Senate

  11. Record vote

    5/25/2025Senate

  12. Three day rule suspended

    5/25/2025Senate

  13. Vote recorded in Journal

    5/25/2025Senate

  14. Read 2nd time & passed to 3rd reading

    5/25/2025Senate

  15. Laid before the Senate

    5/25/2025Senate

  16. Placed on local & uncontested calendar

    5/25/2025Senate

  17. Committee report printed and distributed

    5/15/2025Senate

  18. Recommended for local & uncontested calendar

    5/15/2025Senate

  19. Reported favorably w/o amendments

    5/15/2025Senate

  20. Vote taken in committee

    5/13/2025Senate

  21. Considered in public hearing

    5/13/2025Senate

  22. Left pending in committee

    5/8/2025Senate

  23. Considered in public hearing

    5/8/2025Senate

  24. Scheduled for public hearing on . . .

    5/8/2025Senate

  25. Referred to State Affairs

    5/5/2025Senate

Bill Text

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation