Relating to certain sister-city agreements between governmental entities and foreign countries and communities.
Summary
HB 128 creates a new chapter in the Texas Government Code governing sister-city agreements entered into by state agencies and political subdivisions. It defines “sister-city agreement” as a formal relationship recognized by a 501(c)(3) national sister-cities organization and tied to cultural, educational, tourism, and bilateral cooperation goals. The bill also defines “foreign adversary” to include China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and any country designated under Chapter 2275.
The bill states Texas policy is to encourage sister-city agreements with U.S. allies, including major non-NATO allies and Taiwan, while prohibiting governmental entities from establishing, maintaining, or renewing such agreements with foreign adversaries or communities located in those countries. It also requires any governmental entity that is party to a prohibited agreement on September 1, 2025, to withdraw by October 1, 2025, with that withdrawal mandate expiring January 1, 2027. The act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Impact
HB 128 amends the Government Code by adding Chapter 795 and directly restricts the foreign-relations activities of Texas governmental entities, including state agencies and local governments. It bars sister-city ties with specified foreign adversaries and forces termination of existing prohibited agreements within a short compliance window, while affirmatively encouraging such relationships with allied countries and Taiwan. The bill affects municipalities, counties, and state agencies that participate in international exchange or diplomacy programs through sister-city organizations.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have received generally favorable support, passing the House 104-32 and the Senate 29-2. The vote margins suggest broad agreement with the bill’s national-security framing and its preference for partnerships with U.S. allies. At the same time, the non-unanimous votes indicate some concern or disagreement, likely around limiting local governments’ discretion in international cultural and civic partnerships.
Contention
The main point of contention is the restriction on local and state governmental entities’ ability to maintain sister-city relationships with countries labeled as foreign adversaries, especially where existing cultural or educational ties may already exist. Supporters likely view the measure as a security and foreign-policy safeguard, while opponents may object to the breadth of the prohibition, the inclusion of communities within those countries, or the requirement to withdraw from existing agreements on a fixed timeline. The bill also implicitly elevates Taiwan and other allies, which may be politically significant in the context of Texas foreign-policy signaling.