GOVERNMENT CODE

TITLE 7. INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

CHAPTER 795.  SISTER-CITY AGREEMENTS

Sec. 795.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Foreign adversary" means:
(A)  China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia; or
(B)  a country that is a designated country for purposes of Chapter 2275.
(2)  "Governmental entity" means a state agency or a political subdivision of this state.
(3)  "Sister-city agreement" means an agreement that:
(A)  is between a governmental entity and a country other than the United States or a community located in a country other than the United States;
(B)  is recognized by a nonprofit organization exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code of 1986, that serves as the national membership organization for individual sister cities, counties, and states across the United States; and
(C)  reflects a commitment to foster and strengthen opportunities for cultural and educational exchange programs and tourism and to encourage other types of bilateral cooperation between the parties to the agreement.
(4)  "State agency" has the meaning assigned by Section 751.001.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 540 (H.B. 128), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2025.

Sec. 795.002.  STATE POLICY REGARDING AGREEMENTS.  It is the policy of this state to encourage sister-city agreements between governmental entities and countries that are allies of the United States, including countries designated as major non-NATO allies under federal law and the Republic of China, commonly known as Taiwan, and communities located in those countries.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 540 (H.B. 128), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2025.

Sec. 795.003.  CERTAIN AGREEMENTS PROHIBITED.  A governmental entity may not establish, maintain, or renew a sister-city agreement with:
(1)  a country that is a foreign adversary; or
(2)  a community located in a country described by Subdivision (1).
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 540 (H.B. 128), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2025.

For expiration of this section, see Subsection (b). 

Sec. 795.004.  WITHDRAWAL FROM CERTAIN EXISTING AGREEMENTS.  (a)  A governmental entity that on September 1, 2025, is a party to a sister-city agreement described by Section 795.003 shall withdraw from the agreement not later than October 1, 2025.
(b)  This section expires January 1, 2027.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 540 (H.B. 128), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2025.