Cole Hefner, said the legislation would make Texas and the nation safer because "adversarial nations," as identified by the U.S. national intelligence director — China, Russia, Iran and North Korea — could not become Texas landowners.

Although it's not the worst bill to come out of Texas, advocates warn that the bill's vagueness leave it ripe for misuse.

Advocates say they're protecting Texas and its resources, but opponents worry it could be used to justify racial discrimination.