Plain English Breakdown
The official text does not specify encouragement for agreements with specific allies such as Taiwan.
Rules for Sister-City Agreements
This law sets rules about sister-city agreements between Texas government groups and foreign countries or communities, focusing on prohibitions with certain designated adversaries.
What This Bill Does
- Defines 'foreign adversary' as China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or other designated countries under Chapter 2275 of the Government Code.
- Explains that a 'sister-city agreement' is an arrangement between Texas government entities and foreign cities to promote cultural exchange and cooperation.
- Prohibits Texas government groups from establishing, maintaining, or renewing sister-city agreements with foreign adversaries or communities within those countries.
- Requires Texas government entities to withdraw from existing sister-city agreements with foreign adversaries by October 1, 2025.
Who It Names or Affects
- Texas state agencies and local governments
- Foreign communities and countries
Terms To Know
- foreign adversary
- A country considered a threat to Texas or the United States, such as China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or other designated countries.
- sister-city agreement
- An arrangement between cities in different countries to promote cultural exchange and cooperation.
Limits and Unknowns
- The law only affects agreements with certain foreign adversaries.
- Local governments must end existing sister-city agreements with foreign adversaries by October 1, 2025.
- The rules about withdrawing from agreements expire on January 1, 2027.